Frank Lampard believes he is in some of the best form of his career as he called on England to make the most of their Euro 2008 lifeline.



The Chelsea midfielder has endured a difficult few months and had a spell when he was target for disgruntled England fans.

Lampard lost his place through injury and the rising form of Gareth Barry for the four autumn qualifiers with Russia, Israel and Estonia.

But Lampard earned a recall to the side for the friendly international with Austria in Vienna last Friday and believes Steve McClaren's assessment that he is on top of his game again is justified.

Lampard said: 'I hear the manager has said I am in some of the best form of my career - and I would agree with that. I feel on top of my game.

'In the period between the England game with Russia and the one in Austria, over the last four or five weeks, I have felt very strong.

'Maybe what has contributed is that I came back very fresh from my time off because of injury.

'I had several frustrating weeks on the sidelines and came back when I was fit and raring to go. I feel fresh and sharp because of that.'

When Lampard was injured, McClaren employed Gareth Barry alongside Steven Gerrard to great effect and Lampard did not win his place back immediately.

BEST PLAYER

But in Vienna, however, he was probably McClaren's best player.

'It was difficult for me being on the outside for England,' Lampard said.

'It is not that tough because you know that in your career you will have some slight ups and downs, but the strong man comes through and keeps doing what he does.

'Since the last England game, my form for Chelsea has been as good as it's ever been, and I am hopeful of playing on Wednesday.

'We all want to be on top of our game and we all want everything to be going well but it is not the way life is.

'I have spoken to many players who have been as successful as me and more successful than me who have had awkward times in their careers. The strong ones come through.'

McClaren is not the only one who believes Lampard is back at his best.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant also believes Lampard's return from a thigh injury has been instrumental in the Blues excellent recent form.

Grant has led Chelsea to seven successive victories since a goalless draw in his first home match, against Fulham in September, with Lampard playing a pivotal role and scoring four goals in the past two matches.

'Frank is a strong character, as everyone knows,' Grant said.

'I know you may say I'm not objective, but I am objective. I was a national coach and I'm sure that if Frank and John Terry played in the last (England) game against Russia the result would have been different.'

Meanwhile, Lampard is also confident England's knack of performing at their best when the stakes are highest will ensure there are no slip-ups agaiinst Croatia tomorrow.

McClaren's side now need only to avoid defeat against Croatia to book their place in Euro 2008.

Lampard said: 'Now things are back into our hands in terms of qualifying there is a fantastic feeling in the squad.

'Since I've been involved in the squad when there's been a big game on which qualification hinges, like in Turkey a few years ago, we've managed to get the right result.

'We've performed better in the bigger games, especially the ones to qualify for major championships and we can do it again against Croatia.

'We know the atmosphere on Wednesday will be frightening,' he said. 'That will work in our favour, that will lift the lads.

'We can beat Croatia. We know we have got the ability in the team to do it.

'If we do go through, it would be a tremendous lift after everything we have been through; after all the criticism that has been thrown at the players and the manager.

'If we can come through that, then we can go to the championships with real confidence.'