Lampard backs cover stars

Frank Lampard: Believes England have the strength in depth to cover the loss of John Terry

Frank Lampard admits John Terry will be a big miss for England against Ukraine, but believes Roy Hodgson has quality cover at his disposal.

Chelsea centre-half Terry picked up an ankle injury towards the end of Friday's 5-0 victory over Moldova in England's opening 2014 World Cup qualifier.

It has now been confirmed that the problem will force him to sit out a home date with Ukraine at Wembley on Tuesday.

His vast experience makes him an integral cog in the Three Lions machine, but Terry's club colleague Lampard is confident that whoever is chosen to fill the defensive void will slip seamlessly into the side.

Blow

He told Sky Sports News HD: "It's obviously a big blow. John's a top player and experienced at playing in qualifying games.

"It would be a blow to anyone but I think we are blessed with fantastic back-up, players who didn't play the other night, in Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka.

"As on any occasion when you lose a big player, you need the squad to step up and do it. I'm sure we have got that."
Frank Lampard Quotes of the week

"Whoever comes in is experienced and a top player. As on any occasion when you lose a big player, you need the squad to step up and do it. I'm sure we have got that."

While Terry has been a mainstay in the England side down the years, so too has Lampard.

The 34-year-old midfielder won his 92nd cap against Moldova, while a first-half brace took his goal tally for his country to 25.

Pressure

Lampard has a tendency to produce big performances in qualifying and he hopes he will be given the opportunity to try and guide England all the way to Brazil.

"They are big games, there is a lot of pressure on them and you need to pick up your points early on in groups," he said.

"Ukraine is potentially a tricky game for us. People expect us to beat Ukraine, but we saw the talent in their team at the Euros and they will come here with a desire to beat us.

"Myself and the rest of the team need to be on the ball on Tuesday night to get the right result.

"To get a start for us is very important. They have the ability to be right up there in the mix."