England

Roy Hodgson: 'Frank Lampard was superb representative for England'

By Kristian Johnson, Reporter | 26 August 2014

Roy Hodgson hails Frank Lampard as a "superb representative of the English game" following the midfielder's retirement from international football.

England manager Roy Hodgson has praised the international career of Frank Lampard after the midfielder's decision to retire from representing his country earlier today.

Lampard made 106 appearances for England, with his last outing coming in England's 0-0 draw with Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup after the national team's fate had already been sealed.

Despite a disappointing end to his international career, Hodgson has said that Lampard "served the national team quite brilliantly" over the course of the last 15 years.

"Frank Lampard has been a superb representative of the English game - both as a player on the pitch and an ambassador off it," the England manager is quoted as saying by FIFA.com.

"To reach in excess of 100 international caps is something very few professionals achieve and he is in exalted company.

"He has served the national team quite brilliantly during his 15-year international career. It is with regret that I accept and understand the decision he's made."

Lampard's decision comes shortly after fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard announced his international retirement earlier this month.