Robson insists room for Lampard and Gerrard

Former England manager Bobby Robson insists there is room for both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the England midfield engine room – but wants Fabio Capello to use them in a 4-4-2 formation.

Robson, who led England to the 1990 World Cup semi-finals, said an off-colour showing by the engine room in Saturday's 5-1 qualifying Wembley win over Kazakhstan was the result of the overall shape of the side.

“The problem was not Lampard and Gerrard, who I firmly believe can play together,” Robson said in his column in the Mail on Sunday.

Looking forward to England's next game on Wednesday he added: “It is imperative England go to Belarus with that positive attitude.

“I know people will say it's a more difficult fixture but there really is no need to go back to one striker or have a holding midfielder unless it's against the very, very best such as Argentina or Brazil.

“Everyone else, we should be able to win on our terms by taking that game to the opposition – like we did in Croatia.

“Playing our way means keeping faith with Lampard and Gerrard, and giving them a chance to flourish. Give them the option of looking up and having a choice of two strikers or two wide players to hit with a pass.”