Lampard insists England team 'four games away from WC glory'

Port Elizabeth, June 24(ANI): England midfielder Frank Lampard insists that his team is back amongst the favourites for World Cup glory with Wednesday's crucial 1-0 victory over Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

Lampard said that England has finally proved what they are capable of, and believes that they can go all the way if they maintain that form for the rest of the tournament.

"The World Cup starts here. It doesn't matter how we've played in the group matches because that doesn't win you anything. You don't get any credit for playing well in the first round if you then get sent home in the next round," The Sun quoted Lampard, as saying.

"So, everything starts from here with pure knockout football, and it can only focus our minds to think that we are four games away from doing something very special," he added.

The 32-year-old further said that the England team would now concentrate on their next game.

"We've seen it many times that teams start the World Cup a bit cagey and then come good in the later rounds. We have to follow that model and keep on improving with every game,' Lampard said.

After dismal opening draws against the USA and Algeria, England had to make do with second place in Group C on goals scored as the USA clinched the top spot thanks to Landon Donovan's injury-time winner against Algeria.abio Capello's team now face Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday. (ANI)