Lampard delight as Rooney returns

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Nuremberg

Rooney came on early in the second half

Frank Lampard has revealed England's delight at having Wayne Rooney back to boost their World Cup bid.

Rooney played for 33 minutes in England's unconvincing 2-0 triumph over Trinidad and Tobago in Nuremberg.

Lampard told BBC Sport: "It was a great feeling to have him back. It was special to see him playing with us.

"He gave the fans and the team a real boost because of the player he is. He will get better and better now and be an important player for us in Germany."

Lampard admitted there was room for improvement in England's display after another lack-lustre show.

He said: "Trinidad were well-organised, but we can improve in lots of areas.

"Maybe we can move the ball a bit quicker, because if we don't do that it can give teams more times to get organised and make them more difficult to break down.

"We are looking to improve collectively and individually.

Lampard endured a difficult time in Nuremberg

"I missed a few chances myself in this one, but I can take heart from the fact I was in there and I'm sure the goals will come as they have done before."

The Chelsea midfield man added: "We had to patient but in the end it was a good result for us.

"We have got six points and we are through to the next round. Now we want to top our group, then win the World Cup the same as everybody else."

And Lampard is already relishing the possibility of a last 16 confrontation with new Chelsea signing and Germany captain Michael Ballack.

He said: "I enjoy playing against him. I played against him for Chelsea against Bayern Munich and that was a real challenge.

"I have got a huge amount of respect for him and I would look forward to playing against him and the German team if it happened."