Frank Lampard believes England ‘can go a really long way’ at this summer’s European Championship

Former England midfielder Frank Lampard believes Gareth Southgate‘s men ‘can go a really long way’ at this summer’s European Championship.

Lampard, speaking for the first time since being sacked by Chelsea in January,  warned ‘all eyes are on them’ and ‘it’s never smooth’ for the Three Lions at a major tournament.

England are among the favourites for this summer’s tournament with Wembley set to host both semi-finals and the final.

‘It’s a big deal. it’s a combination of the good work Gareth has done and also the progression of the players,’ he said in an exclusive Q&A hosted by the London Football Awards in aid of the Willow Foundation.

‘People like Dan Ashworth at the FA really changing things. It’s a combination that brings the expectation. That’s something you’re going to have to deal with at the top. 

‘How far can they go? It’s such a hard call. I understand how difficult those games will be. I have a lot of belief in that squad. I believe they can go a really long way. They have to understand all eyes are on them. It won’t be smooth, it’s never smooth.

‘It’s a challenge, yes. The pandemic has affected everybody. I do think the Premier League, where a lot of the England players play, is so demanding. 

‘At the end of the season, it’s a big ask. You might have won a league or got relegated and then you go away with England. The game is so different. 

‘Everything will be as good as it can be for them, which is everything you can ask for for the staff, the recovery, setting the tone. The rest is in the gods. Can they perform at the highest level?’