Lampard feared England axe

Lampard feared England axe

Published Mar. 28, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

It was widely suggested Lampard could lose his place in the starting line-up as Capello looked to use Jack Wilshere and Scott Parker in midfield. However, Chelsea star Lampard started alongside the duo and scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in England's 2-0 win in Cardiff. Lampard insists the quality of the England squad means no player can be guaranteed a place in the starting XI. "I was aware of all the talk. I tried not to let it concern me," said Lampard. "It is a good squad, a strong squad and never for any minute should anyone be resting on their laurels about getting picked. "I have been around for a long time so it wasn't a sleepless night but obviously I want to play and contribute. So I tried to work hard in training and give my best all the time." Lampard's season has been disrupted by a groin injury, but the 32-year-old feels he is now reaching his best form of the campaign. "I think I am coming back to my best form after a difficult season," added Lampard. "I have missed half of it and never really had that kind of break before. "But in the last few games for Chelsea I have started to feel as fit as I had beforehand. "That's a lovely feeling to have back because I was out a long time and that is frustrating. But now, I'm feeling really good. "When you get back, you have to get used to the fact that you might have certain niggles after having such a bad injury. "I'm getting to the other side of them now and feeling like I don't go into games worrying about the groin or anything else. I just worry about trying to play."

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