Pavilionaire
Well-known member
- Jul 7, 2003
- 31,106
What do people think about this statement from sportinglife.com?
England midfielder Frank Lampard believes finishing second in their World Cup group could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
The USA's last-minute winner against Algeria earned the Americans top spot in Group C, condemning England to second spot and a meeting with Group D winners Germany on Sunday.
Lampard is not bothered that England now face a tougher draw if they are to go all the way in South Africa and feels the extra day's rest could help them before they take on Germany.
"I couldn't care less that we have finished second," said Lampard.
"You cannot pick and choose your future matches.
"And finishing second might actually be a bonus for us because it now means we've got an extra day's rest before our next game on Sunday, rather than playing on Saturday."
Chelsea midfielder Lampard believes England can build on their win over Slovenia and that the real action now starts in the knock-out stages.
"This performance gives us a lot to build on. You have seen it many a time when teams in tournaments start a bit cagey and then come strong," added Lampard.
"We have to try to follow that model and try to keep improving every game. For everyone who is in it, the tournament starts here because it is knock-out.
"How you play in the group doesn't win you anything. It certainly doesn't give you any credit if you then get sent home in the next round.
"Everybody starts here now. It is pure knock-out football and it is about performing. When you think you are four games away from doing something very special, that can only focus the mind."
England midfielder Frank Lampard believes finishing second in their World Cup group could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
The USA's last-minute winner against Algeria earned the Americans top spot in Group C, condemning England to second spot and a meeting with Group D winners Germany on Sunday.
Lampard is not bothered that England now face a tougher draw if they are to go all the way in South Africa and feels the extra day's rest could help them before they take on Germany.
"I couldn't care less that we have finished second," said Lampard.
"You cannot pick and choose your future matches.
"And finishing second might actually be a bonus for us because it now means we've got an extra day's rest before our next game on Sunday, rather than playing on Saturday."
Chelsea midfielder Lampard believes England can build on their win over Slovenia and that the real action now starts in the knock-out stages.
"This performance gives us a lot to build on. You have seen it many a time when teams in tournaments start a bit cagey and then come strong," added Lampard.
"We have to try to follow that model and try to keep improving every game. For everyone who is in it, the tournament starts here because it is knock-out.
"How you play in the group doesn't win you anything. It certainly doesn't give you any credit if you then get sent home in the next round.
"Everybody starts here now. It is pure knock-out football and it is about performing. When you think you are four games away from doing something very special, that can only focus the mind."