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Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard reveals he has been trying to get both Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge as he backs the 19-year-old midfielder to shine at the World Cup ahead of a £130 million transfer saga next summer
Frank Lampard tried to bring in England midfielders Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham during his time at Chelsea, the Everton boss announced today.
Rice, 23, and Bellingham, 19, both made their World Cup debuts in England’s first game of the Qatar tournament against Iran on Monday.
Despite their youth, both players have established themselves at club level, with Rice making over 200 West Ham appearances and Bellingham at the center of a £130 million transfer race.
Frank Lampard tried to sign Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice during his time at Chelsea
Rice has become an important part of both West Ham and England teams in recent years
Lampard heaped praise on both players during his speech in Qatar on Monday. In quotes from The Sun, he said of Bellingham: ‘He is crucial for England – an extraordinary talent.
“He is more experienced and talented than his years show – to do what he has already done at the highest level.
“I tried to sign him when I was actually at Chelsea – unfortunately it didn’t happen, but I wanted to sign him and Declan Rice.”
The former Chelsea man felt Southgate would rely on the two young midfielders throughout the tournament, as he explained: “That will probably be England’s midfield at this tournament.”
Lampard praised Bellingham as “more experienced and talented than the show of his years”
“A lot is expected of him, so we will have to be a little firm with him, but the way he is played and performed, he really exudes maturity.
Not much will upset him, so I expect him to have a good tournament. They are a talented squad and we have to appreciate and congratulate Gareth for what he has done in his job.
We are all England fans and we want to go far. If we build momentum, get through the group, I’m sure they have the talent to live up to expectations.’
Chelsea now lack depth in midfield after an injury to N’Golo Kante, and fans may be ruining the chance they were able to sign two such exciting players.