Frank Lampard alongside Bobby Charlton as an England great, says Ray Wilkins

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Alex Young @alexwsyoung2 February 2017

Frank Lampard can stand alongside Bobby Charlton as an England great, according to former Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins.

The 38-year-old called time on a playing career stretching back 21 years on Thursday, with his last professional contract with New York City FC ending last November.

Lampard hanged up with boots with over 100 caps for England and nearly 300 career goals and Wilkins, who worked with the ex-midfielder while a coach at Stamford Bridge, holds him in high regard.

"We've had some wonderful players in England - Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, then back to the likes of Bobby Charlton," Wilkins told Sky Sports.

"Frank has to stand up there because of the goals he scored. He was not only creative with a work ethic, he scored his number of goals as well which is so important in international football."

He added: "I was hoping to see him prolong his career because I've admired him as a player but also as a bloke.

"We all talk abut fabulous footballers in the Premier League, but this guy has been an absolute dynamo in midfield, scoring tons of goals.

"More importantly Frank has conducted himself in a proper manner for the length of his career, so I'm disappointed more than surprised.

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"He was just a delight [to work with]. The one thing about Frank was you couldn't get him off the training field. He was always willing to work and never, ever a problem.

"He ranks as one of the top midfield players that's ever played in Premier League without any shadow of a doubt."

Lampard could be joined by the likes of Chelsea captain John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Paul Scholes about roles within the national set-up.

On Lampard's desire to move into coaching, Wilkins said: "He's as bright as a button, knows what he wants and he's an extremely astute young man.

"I hope he stays in football and gives us back a bit of his knowledge. I'm sure he'll be successful there as well."

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