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Capello issues frank warning for Lampard

ESPN staff
September 4, 2011
Frank Lampard was dropped to the bench for England's win in Bulgaria © Getty Images
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Fabio Capello has warned Frank Lampard that he has a fight on his hands if he is to regain his place in England's starting XI.

Lampard, 33, who has 87 caps for England, was left on the bench for England's 3-0 win over Bulgaria as Capello opted for Scott Parker and Gareth Barry in the centre of midfield.

A win against Wales at Wembley on Tuesday would see England needing just a single point to secure top spot in Group G, and Capello admits Lampard, who came on in the final ten minutes for Barry, is not guaranteed to start.

"I don't know," Capello responded when asked if Lampard would start games for England. "I need to wait because he's got two training sessions before Tuesday's match against Wales and I don't know what will happen.

"He's part of the squad. He's one of the best English midfielders but as the manager I need to chose the players and not the name. At this moment, Gareth Barry is in really good form and at the start of the season, Lampard needed to play more games.

"I remember Frank Rijkaard, who for the first two months of a season was not a player, then he found good form. The first two games that Lampard played this season were not good but the last one was better. I need to choose the player in a good moment of form."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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