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England starter Wilshere 'needs no help' - Lampard

Frank Lampard won't change his style despite being given the captain's armband for England's clash with Denmark © Getty Images

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Stand-in England captain Frank Lampard has confessed Jack Wilshere will not need any advice ahead of Wednesday's clash with Denmark, such is the Arsenal man's quality.

Wilshere has been handed the first start of his international career by Fabio Capello, having previously enjoyed eight minutes as a substitute against Hungary. At 19 years of age Wilshere is tipped for a big future, and Lampard is confident the youngster will handle the occasion.

"I don't think Jack needs much help!" said Lampard. "The way he's been playing, he's been fantastic for Arsenal. Some people look like they might take time to adjust to the international set-up, but he looks like he's got the mental ability and attitude to fit straight in.

"I'll try to help him next to me if I need to during the game, but he's a fantastic player and I'm looking forward to playing alongside him.

"I'm very impressed by him as a player. To come through at Arsenal alongside the likes of [Robin] Van Persie and [Cesc] Fabregas, and fit in as well as he has done, I think it shows the talent he's got. Like Josh McEachran at Chelsea, he's the future of England, and it's great to see him get his full debut and I'm sure he'll be a big player for England for many years to come."

Commenting on Capello's decision to hand him the armband, Lampard described it as the greatest day of his England career.

"I'm very proud. I've been in the England squad for a long time, I feel like one of the old-stagers! I've waited patiently, and it's going to be one of the proudest moments of my career to lead out the boys.

"I had the armband during the second half in Austria during the Steve McClaren reign, and I was very proud then. I've got a couple of pictures indoors of it. But to walk out is a huge deal, I've been in awe of many a player that has done that. I'll try to do what I do for Chelsea. I won't change my character due to an armband, I'll try to lead by the way I play, I'll speak to those around me, and hopefully that will have a strong influence."

Lampard also confirmed he has no intention of quitting the international game, despite criticisms of his performances in the past. "Until the day comes where they don't want me, or where it's clear I'm not good enough, I will always be available for England," he said. "I'm enjoying it, even more so now that I'm in my 30s. I'm thinking, 'How many more years can I play?'"

Ashley Cole will become England's most capped full-back when he starts on Wednesday, and Lampard paid special tribute to his Chelsea team-mate.

"I don't think his contribution can be understated. I think he's well recognised as England's greatest ever left-back, he is in my opinion, and breaking that record speaks for itself. It's great to see England fans recognise him as the best player this year."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.