Lampard named England vice-captain

London: England manager Roy Hodgson has announced that veteran Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will be England`s vice-captain at this summer`s World Cup finals.

The 35-year-old Stamford Bridge icon, who has scored 29 goals in 103 appearances, was captain when England were last in Brazil a year ago, one of six occasions he has skippered the side. "Frank Lampard is vice-captain," Hodgson said. "Frank`s been the vice-captain all along in Steven [Gerrard]`s absences, which I think has been two, he`s stepped up quite brilliantly. "I`ve always thought that he was going to be a key member of this 23 (squad) because of his experience and what he brings to the team apart from pure footballing ability. "He brings a lot of other things to us in terms of his leadership qualities and characteristics." England will start their World Cup campaign against Italy on June 14 before further Group D clashes with Uruguay and Costa Rica.