Lampard pours cold water on England´s hopes

England stand little chance of lifting the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, Frank Lampard has admitted.

The Three Lions have been drawn against Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino in what has been seen as a relatively straightforward qualifying group for the tournament.

But Lampard believes that even if England make it to Brazil, the climate and quality of opposition they will face means their chances of success are minimal.

“It will be very difficult for an English team to win it over there,” Lampard told reporters as Chelsea ended their pre-season tour of the Far East in Hong Kong.

“In their own back yard, with the strongest teams in the world there, and the climate. But what a great challenge it will be for whatever team that goes over there.”

Despite his pessimism over the country’s chances, however, Lampard revealed he wants to remain part of the England set-up for as long as possible, even though he will be 36 years old by the time the next World Cup comes around.

“I take every year as it comes,” he added.

“It will be difficult, but it’s great to see young players coming through, to see the Jack Wilsheres and the Josh McEachrans getting their chances, and I’d hope to be involved for as long as possible.

“I’d certainly be happy if I was [at the 2014 World Cup], but I can’t call that one.”

If Lampard wants to remain in contention for a place in the national side he knows he will have to rediscover his best form with Chelsea this season, under new manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The Portuguese tactician’s relatively young age has led to suggestions he may have problems earning the respect of senior players at Stamford Bridge, but Lampard disagrees.

“I read that he has to gain our respect instantly, and it’s never like that at football clubs,” said the midfielder.

“It certainly isn’t for me personally, and it wouldn’t be for John Terry.

“You want to impress. I want to impress him now at the age of 33 just the same as I did when I was 22. Simple as that.

“We are here to impress as individuals, and we want to make the group successful. We will always respect the manager, and that applies with any manager we get.”

Under Villas-Boas’ guidance, Lampard says he is optimistic about the Blues’ prospects of success this season.

“I think there is a nice freshness about the team and the squad and the players who maybe were not sure they were going to stay, or players that were on loan, or young players that have come through and are getting a sniff now,” he added.

“I think we have got a strong squad, and if the manager adds to it and it makes us stronger then we will all be happy, I certainly will be. It remains to be seen in the time to the end of the window.”