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What Zinedine Zidane said about Chelsea legend Frank Lampard before his 100th England cap in 2013

Frank Lampard’s playing career is best remembered for enormous success in club football with Chelsea, but he had huge international pedigree too.

In the list of club legends from Chelsea’s history, there is no doubt that Frank Lampard sits alongside the other iconic figures.

The retired 46-year-old central midfielder, who’s currently doing a great job as the Coventry City manager, can reflect on a magnificent playing career. This included 106 senior international caps for the England team.

Team Appearances Goals Assists Trophies

Chelsea 648 211 146 13

West Ham 185 37 18 0

Manchester City 38 8 3 0

New York City 31 15 4 0

England 106 29 12 0

Frank Lampard’s senior career for club and country via Transfermarkt

The numbers behind his career highlight what great longevity he had to play at the highest level for so long.

John Obi Mikel hailed Lampard’s work rate, saying he’s the best trainer he ever came across in football. He certainly squeezed everything out of his career on the football pitch. Now, he’s trying to replicate that success in the dugout.

Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Corbis via Getty Images

Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Corbis via Getty Images

What Zinedine Zidane said about Frank Lampard before his 100th England cap

Back in September 2013, Chelsea icon Lampard earned his 100th England cap during a World Cup qualifying match, which ended in a 0-0 draw away to Ukraine.

Zinedine Zidane, who’s regarded as one of the sport’s greatest ever midfielders, was an assistant coach at Real Madrid in 2013. Interestingly, he picked out Lampard, who was 35 at the time, as the talisman for the England national side.

Zizane said via BBC Sport: “The one that is standing out and is really a leader is Lampard. England are going to be there [at the 2014 World Cup] but it’s going to be complicated.”

England’s starting XI vs Ukraine, September 2013

Joe Hart

Kyle Walker

Gary Cahill

Phil Jagielka

Ashley Cole

Frank Lampard

Steven Gerrard (C)

Jack Wilshere

Theo Walcott

Rickie Lambert

James Milner

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England, who were managed by Roy Hodgson at the time, did end up reaching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Unfortunately, it ended in huge failure for the Three Lions because they were eliminated in the group stages.

Lampard’s 106th and final England cap came against Costa Rica in that World Cup group phase.

Back in February, Phil Jagielka recalled a Lampard memory from their time together on international duty. Apparently, the Chelsea great didn’t miss one shot during a shooting exercise in England training.

If Zidane is waxing lyrical about you as a player, you’re clearly doing something right.

Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

Could Frank Lampard manage England one day?

It may feel like quite a way off at this moment in time, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see Lampard climb to the top to manage the England national side one day in the future. Like in his playing career, he’s extremely determined and driven to succeed.

He’s had a crack of Premier League management already with spells at Chelsea and Everton, enduring mixed results. At this moment in time, he’s leading Coventry City to a potential play-off spot in the Championship.

Club & role Matches Wins Draws Losses

Coventry City manager 23 14 3 6

Chelsea caretaker manager 11 1 2 8

Everton manager 44 12 8 24

Chelsea manager 84 44 15 25

Derby County manager 57 26 15 16

Frank Lampard’s managerial career via Transfermarkt

Back in July 2024, Gary Lineker suggested Lampard to manage England. It’s Thomas Tuchel that has stepped into the role as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor, though.

Everyone should be keeping an eye out on Lampard’s managerial journey as it would be great to see more English coaches succeed in the same way as Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.

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