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Lampard didn't contribute much in the last England fixture against Andorra. I was surprised and disappointed, while at the same time keeping in mind how Lampard detractors would start spreading insults again in favor of Stevie G, Lennon and other allegedly more deserving players. However, to come to his defense, I think the guy's just not having his football days recently and 2 or 3 games without the presence of any crucial contribution to the team doesn't necessarily translate to getting kicked out of the squad and benched. C'mon, the guy wasn't voted England Player of the Year twice for notihng. Just like any other player at some point of their career, he's just having a meeting with bad luck. As a fan, all I could hope for is that he returns to his full potential soon enough to shush those who thrive on making a mockery of his performances and consistently pushing for his removal from the squad.

On the other hand, Stevie G's achieving his 50th cap this Wednesday as the Lions face Macedonians for their second Euro 2008 qualifying game. Macca's happy about how his kid's been doing very well in the team. He seems to be carrying over his attitude and playing prowess from Liverpool to the national team. McClaren said and I quote:

"He's been influential for Liverpool over the years and has changed games and won European Cups by himself.

"Now he's doing that for England so it's great for us.

"The best is still to come from him and all the players.

"He can get better. He has been a fantastic influence in some of the games he has won for Liverpool.

"We want to transfer that to England and he's started to do that over the last couple of games.

Stevie scored his 10th international goal last Sunday in their match against Andorra.

Finally, while Bayern midfielder Hargreaves's move to ManYoo didn't push through, that didn't stop him from performing well in England's games. Picking up from where he left off in the last World Cup, he is still being hailed as one of the best players England have at present. His tackling skills are just great. While he may have received boo-boos when he first played for the World Cup, he is slowly proving his critics wrong by creating significant impact for his team in every single game that he finds himself in. I will keep an eye on this kid. If Lampard doesn't shine in the next couple of games, I'm moving my money to this lad.