Lampard named England vice-captain

England manager Roy Hodgson has announced that veteran Chelsea midfielder  Frank Lampard will be England's vice-captain at this summer's World Cup finals. The 35-year-old Stamford Bridge icon, who has scored 29 goals in 103 appearances, was captain when England were last in Brazil a year ago, one of six occasions he has skippered the side. "Frank Lampard is vice-captain," Hodgson said. "Frank's been the vice-captain all along in Steven [Gerrard]'s absences, which I think has been two, he's stepped up quite brilliantly. "I've always thought that he was going to be a key member of this 23 (squad) because of his experience and what he brings to the team apart from pure footballing ability. "He brings a lot of other things to us in terms of his leadership qualities and characteristics." England will start their World Cup campaign against Italy on June 14 before further Group D clashes with Uruguay and Costa Rica. Source: AFP