England's World Cup: Lampard blasts Rooney 'fixation'

Frank Lampard said that a 'fixation' with Wayne Rooney could do more harm than good in terms of qualifying for the second round of the World Cup.

17:18 18 June 2014

As England prepare for a potentially decisive game against Uruguay on Thursday, Rooney’s form and role in the team has again become the central talking point. Although he played with his weaker foot, he was still criticised by some supporters inside the ground. 

 

Frank Lampard, the England squad’s most senior player, said that discussions over Rooney could harm the team’s chances. He said: "Unfortunately we do seem to have a fixation with one player at a World Cup, and it is frustrating when you are all in a squad working together.” 

 

"We're not selfish, and rather than a debate the fixation can become an agenda, so we need to drop the agenda and concentrate on the players and the team the manager picks.

 

"Take Wayne's name away and look at his work rate and the ball he put in, and it would be different. We are dwelling on something that we don't need to and it can become detrimental. But behind closed doors we are very determined."