Lampard fears no jeers

Frank Lampard has admitted being the target of the boo-boys is "part of playing for England" - but insists it is not helping the Three Lions' quest to reach Euro 2008.

Peter Crouch and Owen Hargreaves have been picked out for rough treatment from supporters in the past, and now it is the turn of Lampard to incur their wrath.

Lampard said: "Having the boos aimed at you is part of playing for England, I suppose. A year ago I had just won the fans' Player Of The Year award for the second time on the spin, but that's how English football is."

Many boos rang out around Wembley when his name was announced over the public address system before the friendly international with Brazil on Friday and continued whenever he touched the ball during the majority of the 1-1 draw.

Lampard is able to take such negative vibes in his stride, and he feels they may be a response to his lack of goals during the 2006 World Cup finals and England's up-and-down start to their European Championships qualification campaign.

But he believes the desire and commitment shown against Brazil will help to win over the fans, although he warned not to expect a stroll to victory in Wednesday's vital qualifier with Estonia in Tallinn.

He added: "I've got no problem with it. I remember when people wanted David Beckham out of the England team and he got a hero's welcome against Brazil because he is a great pro and he keeps working hard.

"This happens in football. It is not helpful to the team and not helpful to the players - but I am certainly big enough to take that on the chin.

"I know in the World Cup last summer people were expecting me to score a few goals and it just didn't happen, but rest assured I'm fighting to get that knack back and to knock the goals in again."