Lampard to lead England in friendly against Denmark

LONDON - Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been named England captain for the friendly against Denmark on Wednesday.

Lampard, 32, takes over from regular skipper Rio Ferdinand and vice-captain Steven Gerrard, who were both injured playing for their clubs last weekend.

It has taken Lampard 84 caps and 12 years - spanning three decades - to reach what he described as the “highest honour” in football, the Telegraph and the BBC reports.

“They’ll always be the proudest games of your career. Maybe there are small cycles in football and international football hasn’t set us alight as much as we’d want recently. But it’ll always be significant.

We’ve got 2,500 fans coming over for a midweek game, so that shows you,” Lampard was quoted, as saying.

It may only be a friendly but the Chelsea midfielder will be the “proudest man in the stadium” as he steps out with that armband on.

However, Lampard’s special day may last only 45 minutes. Coach Fabio Capello hinted that Lampard, only recently returned from injury, could be one of six players he withdraws at halftime. (ANI)