Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard eager to help Ross Barkley progress for England

Frank Lampard (2nd from right) and Ross Barkley (centre)

England vice-captain Frank Lampard has revealed that he believes he can help the youngsters in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup to improve during the tournament in Brazil.

The midfielder, who has decided to end his spell with Chelsea after 13 years at the club and has been tipped to join an MLS franchise, is one of the most experienced players in the Three Lions set up with 105 senior international caps.

However, although he is unlikely to be given much game time in South America he is keen to pass some of his knowledge onto younger members of the team, such as Ross Barkley.

“I think I’ve got a role to play with someone like Ross. I am an experienced player with some great young lads and they all want to do the right thing.

“We can all make mistakes – whether you are 20 or 35 – so you try to help them. “You might say, ‘Don’t do that on the half-way line’, but at times you have to let them go with their tricks when they are wriggling free at the opposition back-four.

 

“You want to use your experience to help them and give them a little nudge now and again,” he insisted.

Barkley has emerged as one of the most highly rated talents in English football following a string of impressive performances for Everton and Lampard’s presence will only serve to aid his development.

However, England opened their Group D campaign with a defeat against Italy despite performing admirably in Manaus and face an uphill struggle to qualify for the knock-out stage of the tournament.

Ross Barkley completed 80 take ons in the Premier League last season.