What Zinedine Zidane said about Chelsea legend Frank Lampard before his 100th England cap in 2013

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Frank Lampard’s playing career is best remembered for enormous success in club football with Chelsea, but he had huge international pedigree too.

In the list of club legends from Chelsea’s history, there is no doubt that Frank Lampard sits alongside the other iconic figures.

The retired 46-year-old central midfielder, who’s currently doing a great job as the Coventry City manager, can reflect on a magnificent playing career. This included 106 senior international caps for the England team.

The numbers behind his career highlight what great longevity he had to play at the highest level for so long.

John Obi Mikel hailed Lampard’s work rate, saying he’s the best trainer he ever came across in football. He certainly squeezed everything out of his career on the football pitch. Now, he’s trying to replicate that success in the dugout.

• READ MORE: Frank Lampard held 11-year grudge on rival midfielder, he went on to replace the club legend at Stamford Bridge

What Zinedine Zidane said about Frank Lampard before his 100th England cap

Back in September 2013, Chelsea icon Lampard earned his 100th England cap during a World Cup qualifying match, which ended in a 0-0 draw away to Ukraine.

Zinedine Zidane, who’s regarded as one of the sport’s greatest ever midfielders, was an assistant coach at Real Madrid in 2013. Interestingly, he picked out Lampard, who was 35 at the time, as the talisman for the England national side.

Zizane said via BBC Sport: “The one that is standing out and is really a leader is Lampard. England are going to be there [at the 2014 World Cup] but it’s going to be complicated.”

England, who were managed by Roy Hodgson at the time, did end up reaching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Unfortunately, it ended in huge failure for the Three Lions because they were eliminated in the group stages.

Lampard’s 106th and final England cap came against Costa Rica in that World Cup group phase.

Back in February, Phil Jagielka recalled a Lampard memory from their time together on international duty. Apparently, the Chelsea great didn’t miss one shot during a shooting exercise in England training.

If Zidane is waxing lyrical about you as a player, you’re clearly doing something right.

Could Frank Lampard manage England one day?

It may feel like quite a way off at this moment in time, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see Lampard climb to the top to manage the England national side one day in the future. Like in his playing career, he’s extremely determined and driven to succeed.

He’s had a crack of Premier League management already with spells at Chelsea and Everton, enduring mixed results. At this moment in time, he’s leading Coventry City to a potential play-off spot in the Championship.

Back in July 2024, Gary Lineker suggested Lampard to manage England. It’s Thomas Tuchel that has stepped into the role as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor, though.

Everyone should be keeping an eye out on Lampard’s managerial journey as it would be great to see more English coaches succeed in the same way as Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.