BBC Sportfootball

Claims that Gerrard has the edge over Lampard when he plays with another partner in centre midfield are backed up by results in 25 games since the 2006 World Cup.

Largely based on a successful partnership during Euro 2008 qualifying with Gareth Barry, the Liverpool midfielder helped England win six out of eight games when he was given more licence to attack.

Contrast that with Lampard who helped England win six of 12 matches where he had the central role. It should be noted, however, that Gerrard played in another midfield role in eight of those.

The worst scenario, in terms of results anyway, is that the pair play centrally together. When this happened England won only 40% of their games.