Lampard says no qualms about doing a ‘Henry’ for England
March 13th, 2010 - 1:19 pm ICT by ANI
London, Mar 13(ANI): England midfielder Frank Lampard has admitted that he would not mind ‘cheating’ like France striker Thierry Henry did against Ireland if it meant getting his team through to the World Cup final.
During France’s playoffs against Ireland four months ago, Henry used his hand twice to control the ball before delivering a cross to William Gallas who scored a goal, which decided the fate of the game.
Henry was labeled a ‘cheat’ for not owning up the handball.
“You know, I probably wouldn’t say anything! I felt a bit sorry for Henry, because it was an instinctive action,” The Sun quoted Lampard, as saying.”I think it’s probably easier to own up after the game. At least you’re through then! That is probably the wrong thing to say, isn’t it? But if I did own up and it cost us the game, I would probably be lynched when I got back to England,” he added.
The 31-year-old further said that he is looking forward to England reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.
Lampard will also be first in England manager Fabio Capello’s list to take penalties despite messing up in the quarterfinal against Portugal in 2006.
“I’m a regular penalty-taker and I think, if that’s the case, you’re obliged to volunteer,” Lampard said.
When asked if he would be going for power or placement, Lampard said: “I’ve tried to place it before and I mucked it up against Portugal. I think if you’re really confident, then place it. But if you’re a bit nervous, put your foot through it.” (ANI)
- Ireland brands French star Henry a `hand of god' cheat after loss - Nov 19, 2009
- Lampard determined to be England's nominated penalty taker - May 18, 2010
- Irish anger over WC play-off handball incident no longer an issue: Henry - Jul 25, 2010
- Hand ball incident: Henry did not mean for it to happen, says Becks - Nov 20, 2009
- FIFA may impose World Cup ban on French `Hand Ball' striker Henry - Nov 22, 2009
- I would have hit striker Thierry Henry for 'handball goal': Cantona - Nov 21, 2009
- World brands French footballer Henry a cheat - Nov 20, 2009
- 'Handball' accused Henry has first taste of crowd hate after World Cup qualifier shame - Nov 23, 2009
- France putting past behind them (Group A team profile) - May 26, 2010
- England upset Spain 1-0 in football friendly - Nov 13, 2011
- French pride at stake if World Cup qualifier not replayed with Ireland: Wenger - Nov 21, 2009
- Irish snub 'Henry vacuum cleaners' after French striker's cheating - Nov 23, 2009
- England will have to overcome their fear of losing on penalties: Lampard - May 06, 2010
- I'm not a cheat but I'm Thierry Henry fan, insists David N'Gog - Dec 09, 2009
- Terry says not bitter or angry about losing England captaincy - Nov 19, 2010
Tags: england london, england manager, fabio capello, fate, four months, frank lampard, game henry, handball, ireland, midfielder, portugal, qualms, quarterfinal, striker, sun, thierry henry, william gallas, world cup