Lampard to captain England

Frank Lampard will lead England onto the pitch for the first time in his country’s international friendly against Denmark on Wednesday.

The Chelsea midfielder will don the captain’s armband after manager Fabio Capello announced he had selected the 32-year-old for the role in the absence of injured pair Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard.

“I think it’s a good moment. Probably he’s fresher than the other players,” Capello said.

“I spoke with him about injuries that he suffered. I’ve monitored him during the last five games that he’s played.”

“I saw him play against Liverpool (in the English Premier League on Sunday), he played a really good game.”

Lampard said he felt privileged to be selected to lead his country at the Parken in Copenhagen.

“I’ve been in the squad quite a long time now and I’ve waited patiently and it’s going to be one of the proudest moments of my career to lead out the lads,” Lampard said.

“To actually walk out … I know it’s a cliche, but as a kid you do grow up dreaming of that moment.”

“I’ll try and play with an example in how I play. I’ll just try and do my usual job but try and have an influence on my team.”

Regular captain Ferdinand will miss the clash due to a calf strain he incurred in the warm up to Manchester United’s loss against Wolves on Saturday, while Gerrard is absent with a groin complaint picked up in Liverpool’s 1-0 away triumph over Chelsea on Sunday.