Frank Lampard Sets England Retirement Date

England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is plotting a fitting end to his international career at the World Cup finals next summer in Brazil.

Lampard will win his 100<sup>th cap in the crucial qualifier against Ukraine in Kiev on Tuesday and become the eighth England player to reach the landmark, 14 years on from his debut in 1999.

The Chelsea midfielder turns 36 at next summer's World Cup and believes the finals will represent his bow in international football should England emerge from their qualifying group this autumn.

"Realistically, I think this will be my last year," said Lampard.

"I would love us to get to Brazil because it would prolong the year, and it would be great for me to go out there.

"I don't want to say 'I'll retire' because the minute I say that it's there waiting to happen, but younger players are coming through and, at 36, not too many play on at international level.

"But I'd hate to go out in the autumn [should England fail to qualify]. I enjoy being with this group of players and working with the manager, and I have a lot of respect for him. England, as a whole, want to get to the World Cup so I wouldn't want to go out like that."

The Chelsea man will join Peter Shilton, David Beckham, Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard in reaching a century of caps for England.

Meanwhile, injury to Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck's suspension leaves manager Roy Hodgson's options limited for the trip to Ukraine, with Rickie Lambert expected to lead the line once again after scoring his second international goal against Moldova.

England require seven points from their remaining three group games to ensure qualification for next year's World Cup and must avoid defeat in Kiev to avoid being leapfrogged by Mykhaylo Fomenko's side with two games left.

Despite the lack of attacking options available, Lampard insists England travel with the intention of repeating their win over Ukraine from Euro 2012.

"We'll go into the Ukraine game to win it," Lampard added. "If we lose it we'd have to remain upbeat for the two home games next month and try to win them.

"A lot of big teams qualify through the play-offs and then go on to do really well at tournaments. It's not how you get there: it's just the fact of getting there."