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Page last updated at 09:11 GMT, Friday, 6 August 2010 10:11 UK

Chelsea return refreshes Frank Lampard after World Cup

Frank Lampard
Lampard returns to club action with Chelsea in Sunday's Community Shield

Midfielder Frank Lampard says returning to Chelsea is "like a breath of fresh air" after his disappointing experience with England at the World Cup.

England were woeful in South Africa this summer and were eliminated via a 4-1 loss to Germany in the last 16.

"I have to be honest, the disappointing summer is not affecting the Chelsea side," Lampard affirmed.

"We won the Double last year and that's a nice feeling. There is no niggling mental effect from the World Cup."

Chelsea get their season under way on Sunday when they face Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

They then begin the defence of their Premier League crown the following Saturday with a home game against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion.

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However, Lampard is likely to return to international duty on the Wednesday between these two games when England take on Hungary in a friendly at Wembley, the scheduling of which has been described as "crazy" by his uncle, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.

Lampard admitted that he was "excited" by his return to Chelsea, but also questioned the timing of the international friendly.

"Everyone has spoken about it not being ideal," he added. "That is an obvious statement for the teams because everyone wants to prepare for that first [league] game.

"But there are two arguments. You have to understand that England need to prepare for the [Euro 2012] qualifying games as well.

"The Hungary game has always been there on the calendar and, as a professional playing for your country, you go and play."

England get their qualifying campaign for the 2012 European Championships under way on 3 September with a home game against Bulgaria, before travelling to Switzerland four days later.

Having had the squad with the highest average age in South Africa, national coach Fabio Capello has said he will use the Hungary friendly to look at some of the younger players who he hopes will challenge for places in the side in the future.

There may be no lasting mental scars from the summer, but fitness may be an issue for Lampard and nine of his Chelsea team-mates, who only returned for pre-season training on 26 July.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has said that his World Cup players need at least another two weeks to be back to full fitness.



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see also
International date vexes Redknapp
31 Jul 10 |  Football
Pressure on FA after England exit
28 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Highlights - Germany 4-1 England
27 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
No rift in England camp - Lampard
21 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Chelsea 1-0 Portsmouth
15 May 10 |  FA Cup


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FROM OTHER SPORT SITES
Mirror.co.uk HUNGAR STRIKE? - 1 hr ago
STV.tv England call up Wilshere and Gibbs - 8 hrs ago
Channel NewsAsia Football: Capello rings the changes for Hungary friendly - 9 hrs ago
Clubcall Capello makes big changes - 10 hrs ago
Yahoo!Xtra Capello rings the changes (AAP) - 10 hrs ago