By Alan Duffy
As great Irish poet Ronan Keating said, life is indeed a rollercoaster, with Chelsea veteran Frankie Lamps the latest poor sod to experience life’s ups and downs. Coming only weeks after the midfielder lifted the Champions League trophy with Chelsea, he has now been forced out of England’s Euro 2012 squad courtesy of a thigh injury suffered in training.
Lampard impressed in a more defensive role for the Blues in the Champions League victory against Bayern Munich and could well have played an important role for Roy Hodgson in Poland and Ukraine. And with the former West Ham star now 33, Euro 2012 was probably his last chance of appearing at a major tournament, which is quite sad really. Hodgson said:
“It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Gareth Barry,” said manager Roy Hodgson.”
“The fact that the doctor cannot guarantee Frank could take part in any of the group matches means we have to replace him in the central midfield area.”
“Apart from it being a huge blow to me and the team, I’m especially disappointed for Frank himself.”
However, while Lampard packs his bags and head home to the consoling and spindly arms of Christine Bleakley, an excited Jordan Henderson will be polishing his boots and no doubt thanking his lucky stars as he prepares to join up with the England side after a rather dismal first season at Anfield.
I wonder what Michael Carrick is thinking right now.