Time to dump the lumpard

I mainly agree. Hargreaves will probably get even better in time and don't dispute that Lampard is not in the form of the past. Problem we have is that neither is Gerrard in internationals and seldom has been at that level in most of his 50 games where his main contributions have been a bland "OK" ? Rarely lived up to his pre match hype, something he has often admitted to. Until recently Lampard has lived up to his club form and has often been outstanding. Unpalatable facts in this NG maybe, but true -)).

Correct that the LampardSteve G pairing did not work well under our last idiot manager but was that because of the pairing or maybe just that Stevie had another of his below expectation days? The only thing we know for certain is that FL has performed very well there in the past and that SG hasn't. Is that enough to make changes? Not for me. Gerrard could not have any more freedom than he gets in the right midfield position. It should be perfect for him with all the practice he has had at club level. He spends little time far right ( not enough yesterday) and should enjoy far more opportunities to get involved than he would in the more restricted centre.

A week ago there would have been 100% agreement about his chances in the new role. The fans and hacks saw it as a new opportunity for Gerrard and the team and a chance to give him the space and freedom to prove himself. After yet another average game the cry goes out "it's because he is playing out of position" a feeble excuse when his position is just about anywhere he wants to go.

I still think he will fit into that new role but nothing in his international history suggests he should replace a previously good player in the middle.

LC