Hammers midfielder Frank Lampard has spoken of his delight after being recalled to the England squad to face Italy in the friendly in Turin next week.
Lampard revealed: "I was delighted."People had told me that I might be in the squad, but I've heard that many times before. You never really believe it until you see it on paper; I'm just totally delighted really.
"I've heard whispers before that I'm going to be in and I haven't been, so it's a nice moment."
Lampard's only previous appearance for England came at Sunderland's Stadium of Light against Belgium in a 1-1 friendly draw.
"I'm just happy to be in the squad, but I'd love to get involved somewhere along the line," Frank added. "If I start the game that would be great."
However Frank is under no illusion at the size of the task ahead for England's young lions next week, against the runners-up from this years Euro 2000 tournament.
"They're top class," said Lampard. "If I can get on the pitch it will be a great challenge to play against some of the best players in the world."
Lampard also revealed that he would be looking to cement a place in the England squad of the future.
"I'd love to stay there," he said. "The easy part is to get in, but the hardest part is staying there. It's a case of wanting to stay in there and become a regular part of the squad.
"You have to keep pushing yourself; working hard and improving. It's always been my ambition to play for England; hopefully I can do it for a long time."
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