Stevie G looks a free spirit without Lamps

I don't think it's coincidence that Steven Gerrard flourished once Frank Lampard went off against Hungary on Wednesday.

England's stand-in skipper was fantastic in the second half. He showed that when played without inhibitions, he is a truly world class.

Lamps is a far better player than me and he's been one of the greatest performers in Premier League history. But at international level he cannot lift a game in the way Gerrard can and it might be time to for Fabio Capello to start him on the bench against Bulgaria in September.

Capello must take a big decision on John Terry, too.

What a leader he has been over the years for Chelsea. But he struggled at times last season, had a poor World Cup and could not live with Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez in the Community Shield.

I've said this before, but when Rio Ferdinand returns to full fitness I would try him with a younger centre-half.

One last point from Wembley. I've got nothing against the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere.

But I find it absolutely shocking that the starting England team can contain so many players who aren't regular starters for their own clubs.

**

ROBBIE'S STORY OF THE WEEK

Took the missus out shopping in Selfridges. Big mistake.

Sarah was wearing a maxi shirt and after I stepped off the escalator I heard a scream. The bottom of her hem had caught in it and was sucking her in.

Staff managed to rescue her before the escalator ate her. Now I'm thinking of getting one fitted at home...

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!

williamhill.com

Your comments

Related content

Latest opinions

Column

Crass of the Day: Why Gary Lineker should be ashamed of his xenophobic mocking of Arsene Wenger

Columnists 11:07 03/05/12

    Shame on Gary Lineker. His mockery, stupid French accent and derision of Arsene Wenger at the end of... Read More+

    Column

    Stop rewriting history: Hodgson may have got it, but Redknapp is still the better man for the job

    Darren Lewis 10:45 03/05/12

      The revisionism surrounding Harry Redknapp this week has been an education to behold. Suddenly his f... Read More+

      Column

      Big Match Verdict on Chelsea 0-2 Newcastle: Torres has been transformed in a week

      John Cross 22:27 02/05/12

        Fernando Torres has been transformed in little over a week. In fact, the Spaniard was the odd man ou... Read More+

        Is Lionel Messi the best footballer ever?

        Latest columnists

        Columnists

        Columnists Read more from Columnists

        Darren Lewis

        Darren Lewis Read more from Darren Lewis

        John Cross

        John Cross Read more from John Cross