Former England captain Frank Lampard has denied suggestions that the Three Lions 'lacked passion' during their disappointing Euro 2016 campaign in France.
Roy Hodgson's team had been tipped to enjoy a successful European Championships, but only finished second in Group B and were beaten 2-1 by minnows Iceland in the round of 16.
That result has led to widespread criticism of the players, but Lampard has insisted that there is "no lack of desire" from the team.
"Getting knocked out of any tournament in any way is bad, but the lads underperformed. You can't dance around that. That's what happened. You have to give immense credit to Iceland, the nation they are. The work rate they put in, I thought was incredible. Fair play to them on that front," New York City midfielder Lampard told MLSsoccer.com.
"As an England team, the quality of players we've got, we should be beating them. The lads will know that and it will be a very hard time for them. I feel for them in that way because there's no lack of desire as an England team or individually as players who want to go out there and win a tournament desperately. It's what the people are waiting for back home, but they didn't do it."
Hodgson has since stepped down from his position as head coach of the national team.
Matt Law
