World Cup Swans: Frank Lampard
As the 2018 World Cup draws closer, the official website takes a look back at the players who have turned out for the Swans and played on the biggest stage of all.
Today, we focus on Frank Lampard.
Frank Lampard is widely considered as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
Chelsea’s leading scorer of all time, Lampard netted 211 goals in 648 appearances during 13 years at Stamford Bridge, while his club career also included spells with Swansea City, West Ham United, Manchester City and New York City.
He also enjoyed an impressive international career, which spanned almost 15 years, with 106 England caps - making him one of only nine players to surpass the century mark for the Three Lions - and 29 goals.
SWANS CAREER
Lampard’s illustrious club career will forever be associated with Chelsea and West Ham, as well as a brief spell with Manchester City towards the end of his playing days.
But some people may not remember that during his early days at West Ham, he enjoyed a three-month loan stint with the Swans.
A 17-year-old Lampard made his professional debut in the 2-0 victory over Bradford City at the Vetch in October 1995, and scored his first goal as a pro in an away win at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Overall, he made nine appearances for the Swans, scoring once.
WORLD CUP CAREER
Lampard represented his country at three World Cups, and is one of just 14 England players to have done so.
He first appeared on the biggest stage of all in 2006 and was an ever-present as England reached the quarter-finals, but was one of three players to miss a penalty in the shootout defeat by Portugal.
Four years later, he played every minute in South Africa. However, his search for a goal continued after his strike against Germany in the last 16 was controversially ruled out. England went on to lose 4-1.
Lampard’s World Cup swansong in 2014 was a very brief one, as his sole appearance during England’s disappointing tournament came when he captained his country in the 0-0 draw with Costa Rica.
