Restraint is key for Lampard

KEEP CALM: Lampard FRANK LAMPARD insists England have no divine right to succeed in Russia.

The former Three Lions midfielder also stresses that has been the case for some time and believes a lowering of expectations will help Gareth Southgate and his players.

New Derby County Lampard said: “These tournaments at the top end have countries who are particularly strong.

“You look at Germany, France, Belgium and Spain and that’s just to start with Europe, without mentioning any of the teams from South America.

“So, yes, we have to have expectations with some of the good lads we have, but we have no divine right.

“We never have had a divine right, so to lower that expectation would certainly help the players in Russia and probably just generally create a more realistic atmosphere for Gareth and the squad.”

Lampard, though, is impressed with England’s preparation and progress under Southgate, his assistant Steve Holland and the FA generally.

“They are trying to move on. We did miss the boat for a long time, but I don’t think we are anymore. I think Gareth has done a really good job,” he said.

And the former Chelsea star insists he has no regrets about his own England career.

He said: “You can’t have regrets – it was what it was.” The Tottenham striker admits Manchester United legend Becks was one of his heroes growing up.

And one of the reasons for that was the passion Beckham showed when captaining the Three Lions. Kane will lead England into their opening World Cup match against Tunisia in Volgograd tomorrow, hoping to get off to a fast start.

The country – as ever – expects once again and Gareth Southgate’s squad know they will have to give their all in order to fulfill the dreams of a nation. And Kane points out that Becks always gave 100 per cent for his country.

He said: “David was a big hero of mine GETTING SHIRTY: England’s Harry Kane