Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and John Terry are all smiles after both playing their parts in England’s victories over world Champions Spain and Sweden respectively.
For the blues boys the international break provided personal solace and rejuvenation for differentiating reasons. Lampard scored the decisive goal against Spain, whilst Terry skippered the Three Lions to a clean sheet and win against Sweden.
Lampard’s winner against the Spaniards has capped a remarkable change of fortunes for the midfielder who found himself in the wilderness for a brief period at club and international level not so long ago.
Last month Lampard had to settle for a substitute’s role during England’s decisive Euro 2012 qualify away to Montenegro, as well as receiving the same treatment during September qualifier away to Bulgaria.
But Lampard stepped up to the fore and captained The Three Lions to a heroic and memorable win over the world and European Champions. Although super Frank had the easiest of tasks in heading the ball into an empty net his goal and captaincy was fitting as he won his 90th England cap during the process.
Despite his critics for club and country, Lampard has scored 7 goals in 15 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit this term, which includes netting the winner at Ewood Park last time out.
John Terry on the other hand has had much controversy to deal with amidst allegations he racially abused Queens Park Ranger defender Anton Ferdinand, yet the Blues captain promised he wouldn’t hide from the public.
And to be fair he didn’t, marshalling his country’s defence well during a friendly with Sweden on Tuesday demonstrating good professionalism.
A quiet night at Wembley was just what the doctor ordered for Terry who will be surely be looking forward towards Chelsea’s showdown with Liverpool at the weekend.
A great ten days for the England national side will have ensured both of Chelsea’s star men will be returning to Cobham with renewed optimism and a much needed injection of confidence.
Meanwhile Daniel Sturridge will have also taken heart on making his international debut as a substitute against Sweden, whilst David Luiz played the full 90 minutes of Brazil’s 2-0 victory of Egypt in Doho.
Simon Blaquiere
@simonblaquiere1
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