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Lampard hopeful for World Cup call-up

Veteran Italian striker Gianfranco Zola believes his Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard has done enough this season with the Blues to earn a place in England's World Cup squad. Despite Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday Lampard was impressive alongside French midfielder Emmanuel Petit.

Zola is backing other calls for the midfielder to be included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 23-men party, which will be named on Thursday. "I think Frank Lampard has been outstanding this season. He started the season quietly but recently his form has been very good", said Zola.

"On a personal note, I'm pretty happy with my performance. Vieira is a great player and I got myself up for the challenge, and was pretty pleased with how it went against him", added Lampard himself. "I'm pleased with my performance, it's nice to play well on the big occasion", added the 23-year-old. Lampard is quietly hopeful for a World Cup call and said he misses being around the squad.

Filed by James Shortt

 
 
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