Lampard: I am always available for England

19-Mar-2013 2:45:00 PM

The Chelsea midfielder insists he will never turn his back on the Three Lions, is happy to report for international duty and wants to reach 100 caps for his country

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says he will always make himself available for England.

The 34-year-old joined up with Roy Hodgson's squad for the Three Lions' qualifying double-header against San Marino and Montenegro and says he will never snub his country when he is picked for international duty.

Rio Ferdinand withdrew from the England squad this week because of a pre-planned fitness programme, but despite being five months older than his former West Ham team-mate, Lampard insists he is just happy to be involved in the squad.

"The older I get, the more I appreciate it every time I play for them," he told reporters.

"It's a very happy, comfortable squad with Roy Hodgson in charge. The manager really relates well with the players.

"It's a young squad but as I've got a bit older I've found that I feel better when I am playing and training regularly.

"If I had a week off in Dubai now I'd probably stiffen up and take three weeks to get back. So I much prefer staying involved and staying fit."

The Blues midfielder reached another milestone against West Ham at the weekend when he scored his 200th goal for Chelsea. His eyes are now set on adding to his 94 caps and reaching a century of games for his country.

He added: "I'd love to get to 100 appearances for England, but six caps in international football is still a relatively long way off, so I'll take it game by game."

Inside Goal.Com

Why Ancelotti is the right man to deliver La Decima
In the aftermath of the announcement of Mourinho's imminent departure from Real Madrid, Brendon Netto discusses why Ancelotti could be an able replacement.
Milan would be foolish to let go of Allegri
The Rossoneri coach's future has been mired in doubt despite the club finishing within the Champions League spots after a dismal start to the season...
Arsenal should build on CL qualification
Arsenal were ecstatic last night after securing fourth place once again. Brendon Netto discusses why it's time Arsenal build on this platform and finally move forward..
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel