Lampard (left) has hit back at Barton's crticism

Manchester City midfielder Barton was scathing about Lampard's World Cup and claimed he should replace Lampard in England's midfield.

Lampard told the Times: "There are a lot of players fighting for a place but they don't come out and say something.

"They get their heads down and keep fighting. That's what Owen Hargreaves did when he could have said things."

Barton, who has been tipped to figure in England's squad next month, was critical of England players like Lampard who brought out autobiographies in the wake of England's poor showing in Germany.

The outspoken City midfielder also said Lampard and Steven Gerrard could not play together in the same midfield, and claimed they needed a ball each to succeed.

You shouldn't talk about other players too much Chelsea's Frank Lampard

Lampard said: "I don't think Joey should talk about me and Steve Gerrard, that probably says enough.

"Joey mentioned that he was running at six in the morning in Dubai on holiday and then he wondered if me and Stevie G were doing the same.

"When I read that, I thought: 'I was doing that when I was 11. That's the difference.

"I've been training my socks off and I think Stevie G has as well. That's what you do.

"Maybe Joey Barton has found that but I've been doing that for a long time.

"As a professional - and I know I'm talking about another player now - you shouldn't talk about other players too much."