Mac mystified by Lamps abuse
Steve McClaren has admitted he was mystified by the hostile
reception Frank Lampard received from England fans at Wembley on
Friday night.
On what was supposed to be a celebration of England's return to
their spiritual home in London, against five-time world champions
Brazil, elements of the 89,000-strong crowd voiced their
displeasure at the Chelsea man's inclusion.
Lampard's name was booed as the teams were announced prior to
kick-off, and a chorus of jeers also rung out around the new
stadium when the midfielder made way for Michael Carrick with two
minutes to go.
The former West Ham midfielder was named as England Fans' Player of
the Year for both 2004 and 2005, but his standing has plummeted
after a disappointing World Cup - even if McClaren's faith has not
wavered.
"Why he got that reception, I do not know," said McClaren in the
Sunday Mirror. "But I thought he answered a lot with his
performance.
"And that is typical Frank. It is what you do on the pitch that
counts."
With Owen Hargreaves absent due to injury, Lampard is expected to
retain his place alongside Steven Gerrard for Wednesday's Euro 2008
qualifier against Estonia.
Much has been made of whether the two stars can be accommodated
together in central midfield, but McClaren was encouraged by what
he saw in the 1-1 draw with Brazil.
"I said before the game that the key jobs were those of the two of
them. I thought they were exceptional in doing that," McClaren
added.
"Many people have questioned whether they can play together but
they have only lost one game when they have been in the same
side.
"They showed great discipline against Brazil. That for me was the
platform.
"They protected the back four, they fed further forward and it was
a good performance from both of them."
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