Lampard ends 15-year international career

Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old, who joined Manchester City on loan from New York City this summer, made his last appearance for the Three Lions in the 0-0 draw with Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Lampard’s England career spanned 15 years and earned him 106 caps with 29 goals. But he has now decided that the time is right for him to step away from the international scene.

“It has been a very tough decision for me to make, which is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup,” Lampard said in a statement issued through his management company.

“It is now the time to move forward and I feel very confident that with Roy Hodgson in charge, the young players that we have coming through, and the changes that are being made throughout the development of the youth system in this country, that we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves.

“I would like to thank all the managers that I have worked under, all the players that I have been fortunate enough to play alongside, and all the England fans for their support, not only at home but particularly on their travels with the team around the world.

“I now look forward to continuing to support the team as a fan and wish them every success for the upcoming campaign towards France 2016.

“I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt.

“Due to my club career now going in a different direction, it is of utmost importance for me to consider my family first. Also, to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few years in club football.”

The midfielder, who began his career at West Ham, left Chelsea at the end of last season after 648 appearances and 211 goals for the Stamford Bridge club.

Lampard made his England debut back in October 1999 in a 2-1 win over Belgium.

During his time in the national team, he appeared in five major tournaments – three World Cups and two European Championships – and stands as England’s sixth-most capped player in history alongside Sir Bobby Charlton.

Lampard career highlights

Born: 20 June, 1978

Clubs: West Ham 1995-2001, Swansea (on loan) 1995-96, Chelsea 2001-2014, New York City 2014-present (currently on loan at Man City)

Appearances: 844 goals: 251

Premier League titles: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10

FA Cup wins: 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12

League Cup wins: 2004-05, 2006-07

Champions League win: 2011-12

Europa League win: 2012-13

Lampard England’s career stats

Games played: 106 (91 starts)

Minutes played: 7,655

Goals: 29

Shots on target: 97

Shots off target: 80

Shots-to-goals ratio: 16.4 per cent

Minutes per goal: 264

Penalty record: 9/11

Passes: 5,369

Passing accuracy: 83.7 per cent

Chances created: 127

Tackles made: 261

Tackles won: 191 (73.2 per cent)

Fouls conceded: 107

Yellow cards: 5

Red cards: 0

Source: Opta