Soccer: Lampard welcomes England's new-found team spirit

MANCHESTER - England coach Steve McClaren has brought about a total transformation to the squad, according to Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

McClaren has wasted no time implementing his ideas both on and off the pitch since taking over from Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson at the start of this month and is determined to emulate the strong team spirit which the players have at club level.

"We are trying to bring the club atmosphere into the England squad and are working on having characters and a good spirit around the hotel," Lampard said.

"We certainly have a good team spirit at Chelsea. Our manager (Jose Mourinho), John Terry and myself instigate that in a big way and we find it really helps us to bond players - especially foreign players and new signings and get them involved.

"It is the same with England and all the young players who come into the squad," added Lampard, who is no stranger to success with English champions Chelsea.

"Spirit only gets judged on winning games - if you lose everyone says the spirit is not good enough. The fact that we weren't successful in the World Cup has made people look at the spirit (of the side).

Following England's disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit on penalties to Portugal, Lampard said there was a difference in the way the squad approached games and they were full of confidence for Saturday's European Championship qualifier against Andorra.

"What Steve is trying to do, and what is very good to hear as a player, is if you look at the small details and add one or two per cent. It can make a difference on the pitch and be more successful in the future," Lampard said.

The Chelsea player added that he expected to regain spot kick duties if England were awarded a penalty against Andorra at Old Trafford.

Lampard missed a penalty in the World Cup defeat to Portugal in Germany but scored one for his club in last weekend's Premier League game against Blackburn.

"I spoke to Steve (McClaren) and will take them. I am big enough to take the responsibility," he said.

"You would be inhuman not to think about what happened because it is not nice to miss a penalty in a World Cup quarter-final."

"The next one is all-important to give you a bit of confidence and I was determined to make sure I scored it."

- REUTERS