Lampard: Still work to be done
Frank Lampard hailed the dawn of a new era for England after the 4-0 win over Greece.
Frank Lampard hailed the dawn of a new era for England after victory over Greece, but warned there is still much work to be done ahead of the side's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
The Chelsea man was delighted by the performance during The Three Lions' resounding 4-0 win over the European champions in Steve McClaren's first match in charge of the national team on Wednesday.
Lampard hopes the positive display will lay down a marker for future England get-togethers, particularly after the team's disappointing showing at this summer's World Cup.
"It worked out very well last night," Lampard told Sky Sports News.
"I think after the three days we had together, the 4-0 win we had was the icing on the cake.
"With the work we did behind the scenes, it was a really good start to a new era.
"Our training was positive and very sharp and we managed to carry that into the game.
"It was a great start, but it is just a start and there is more that needs to be done."
Lampard had words of praise for midfield partner Owen Hargreaves, the reported target of Manchester United, who performed well in the anchorman role at Old Trafford.
But despite the midfield exhibiting greater continuity than it did in Germany, Lampard erred on the side of caution to suggestions the conundrum has already been solved.
"Owen's been playing very well, he did it in Germany - particularly in the Portugal game, and he carried that on last night," added Lampard.
"It's nice to have a player like him. I wouldn't say he's a holding player though, even if he did play that role last night.
"I wasn't behind the front man, we played together, but he does give you a lot of security like I am used to at Chelsea with [Claude] Makelele.
"It worked last night, but I don't think we should get carried away and say 'okay, me and Steven [Gerrard] can play together because of Owen'.
"We need to show over a period of time that it can work."
