Is this the end of Lampard and Terry’s England careers?

The wounds may not have completely healed from England bruising World Cup but two wins out of two in Euro 2012 qualifying has at least given the fans something to cheer about.

But two players who were previously cornerstones of the England side were absent from this round of games and you wonder whether they should ever return. The international football betting suggests the side will qualify without them, so maybe it’s time to move on.

Frank Lampard had a groin operation last week and so missed out on England duty, but the Three Lions coped admirably with Steven Gerard marauding forward in the space usually occupied by the Chelsea man while Gareth Barry swept up behind. The Lampard/Gerrard conundrum has haunted the side for nearly seven years now so maybe we will finally see a manager accept that they cannot work together.

At the back, Phil Jagielka had another superb game and combined well with former defensive partner at Everton Joleon Lescott in Switzerland. With Gary Cahill pushing for inclusion and Rio Ferdinand to return is Terry also better off out of the England picture?

It isn’t just on the field where Terry and Lampard weren’t missed. Terry is reviled by many supporters after his alleged extra-marital affairs with the ex partner of former team-mate Wayne Bridge. Lampard too is another not universally popular with the fans, mainly because of the club he plays for.

Given the grief Terry had to put with when the Bridge story broke, plus the harsh criticism the received during last summer’s World Cup he and Lampard may ask the question ‘is it worth it anymore?’ Although a few seasons ago you wouldn’t have seen anyone in football betting on the pair retiring from the international scene, they could now.

Chelsea will certainly see the benefit of having Lampard and Terry withdraw from England duty. Playing for your country involves not only the extra games but the extra travel time too which can pile a considerable load onto an already hefty football calendar. Many players extend their careers by several seasons after retiring from international football due to the extra rest time and I’m sure many Chelsea fans would rather they gave the England a miss and concentrated on performing for the Blues.

The way I see it there are no losers, Chelsea benefit, the England fans will be appeased, younger players will be given their opportunity while Terry and Lampard will save themselves a whole load of grief.

Related posts:

1. What does the future hold for Frank Lampard?
2. Lampard Back as Chelsea Look Strong
3. Who should start for England?
4. Capello’s Jack Wilshere England Dilemma
5. England in the World Cup 2010