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Monday, 8 October 2007, 10:39 GMT 11:39 UK

Lampard ready for England return

Frank Lampard believes he is ready for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers after returning from injury for Chelsea.

The 29-year-old midfielder missed six weeks of the season with a thigh injury but played for 90 minutes in Sunday's win at Bolton with no ill-effects.

England face Estonia on Saturday and Russia on 17 October and Lampard told Match of the Day: "My main fear was the injury and my fitness levels.

"Now I can get more fitness during the week and be ready for England."

Lampard's availability is sure to reignite the debate about whether he and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard can play together for England in central midfield.

606: DEBATE

In the Chelsea player's absence, Gareth Barry performed well alongside Gerrard in the victories against Israel and Russia and the Aston Villa man remains hopeful of keeping his place in the side.

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Related to this story:

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Owen schedule concerns Allardyce (08 Oct 07 | Internationals )
Jol supports under-fire Robinson (08 Oct 07 | Tottenham Hotspur )
Owen fit but England lose Johnson (07 Oct 07 | Internationals )
Bolton 0-1 Chelsea (07 Oct 07 | Premier League )
Injured Owen called up by England (05 Oct 07 | Internationals )
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