Paul Lambert: 'Fabian Delph must handle pressure in England squad'

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has suggested that Fabian Delph is ready for the challenge of joining up with the rest of the England squad.

Delph was one of four uncapped players named in the squad on Thursday, and Lambert believes that the only test for the midfielder will be whether he can carry the extra pressure on his shoulders.

"I hope he can handle it. If he goes in and feels overawed it will be hard for him," the Villa boss told reporters. "But he's earned the right to be there so everyone thinks good enough, now it is up to him to go and show what he can do.

"If you can't handle it in football it can hurt you mentally."

Delph, who joined Villa from Leeds United in 2009, arrives in the England squad following the retirements of fellow midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.