Lampard: Our World Cup Starts Here - 世足

Lampard: Our World Cup Starts Here

Frank Lampard last night claimed England's World Cup is ready for take-off
after edging their way into the second round.

Lampard believes a weight has been lifted off their shoulders after reaching
the last 16 following their tricky start to the campaign.

But Lampard says England are now fully focused and they will be ready for
their next do-or-die match in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

Lampard said: "It starts here because it's knock-out. How you played in the
group doesn't win you anything. It doesn't get you any credit if you get sent
home next round.

"Everyone starts here. It's pure knock-out football and it's about performing.
When you think that you're four games away from doing something very special
that can only focus the mind.

"When you come to these tournaments you understand it's going to be do or
die in these situations.

"Maybe it came a bit early this time but it does get to that and you have
to be big enough to stand up to that. You can't afford off days. You have
to be at it from the start."

England were supposed to cruise through Group C but after draws against USA
and Algeria they found their backs against the wall against Slovenia.

But England dug deep, found their best performance of the tournament so far
and saw off Slovenia but Lampard admits that after the game it was all about
relief.

Chelsea midfielder Lampard also hailed a performance which was all about
English spirit and passion and says that can carry them a long way.

Lampard said: "We're delighted. It was a game we had to win. We did it with
a good performance. We could have scored more and made it more comfortable
and a less nervy ending.

"But we spoke in the week about playing with a bit more passion and pace and
we certainly did that in the first-half.

"That was the difference to the two previous games. We play that way for our
clubs. It's why people regard the English Premier League as one of the best
and fear it when we play at our best. If we play with those qualities then
we've got a chance.

"Today there was a determination from the start, there was a feeling from
the crowd. The fans were top class pre-game and during the game. It ended up
a good day."

Lampard also praised his Chelsea team mate John Terry after his difficult
week in which Fabio Capello claimed he made a "big mistake" on going public
on disquiet in the England camp.

But with the spotlight on Terry and the pressure on England, Lampard says
they all reacted perfectly.

Lampard said: "Everyone was terrific. John made some terrific blocks at the
back but you could go through everyone in the team. We all worked our socks
off.

"Milner and Defoe came in and did well, we grafted throughout the team. John
and Matty Upson made some big blocks, Jamo's handling was brilliant. Everyone
did it.

"I don't think any line has to be drawn on what happened this week. We just
have to concentrate on the next game.

"This performance gives us a lot to build on. You've seen it many times
before that teams start a bit cagey and then come good. We have to follow
that model and try to keep improving with every game."

Lampard also praised goalscorer Defoe and revealed why the players all
snubbed Capello's offer of a beer the night before the game.

Lampard added: "I think the offer was there but no-one took him up on it.
A lot has been made about the boredom in the hotel. You can't come away for
a month and live like a monk.

"The manager is aware of that and it's not like that. Sometimes those things
are on offer and it's up to you if you take therm. You just don't have ten
beers, you might have one or two.

"But there was determination. Sometimes if you do take a bit of stick from
afar you have to react in the right way. There was a real determination in
the group to perform and you saw that in the performance.

"It was a huge relief when the goal went in. No matter how well you're
playing, you can be a bit frustrated if you don't get the goals. The only
frustration today was not getting another one.

"Defoe is a goalscorer. He's done it everywhere, he's been around and he's
continued to do it today. It's not easy to come in when you haven't really
played. He had a few minutes against Algeria but not really been involved.

"People expect goalscorers to come in and score instantly and it doesn't
always happen like that,. He's done it because he's very sharp and he was
in the right place.

"I couldn't care less that we've finished second. It's hard to pick and
choose your games in the future rounds. We don't know who we're going to
play. Maybe it's a bonus to have an extra day's rest."


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