Here for the ride: Lampard has been impressed by the new England boss

Hodgson certainly seems to be doing the right things. There was the rousing speech on Tuesday; the personal visits to senior players before he named his squad. He has also been astute in making sure his captain and his finest player are happy, not least by telling Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney that they will be playing in the positions they consider their best. Central midfield for Gerrard, the No 10 role for Rooney.

But as Lampard said this week, Hodgson also impressed the Chelsea contingent by visiting their dressing room after that stunning Champions League final win in Munich.

'I wouldn't want to divulge details of the conversation,' said Lampard. 'But he came in the dressing room to say well done and that he was looking forward to seeing us next week.

'It was very much a "Well done and congratulations", which we appreciated from the new England manager. But he didn't have to do that.'

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