Frank Lampard last night admitted he would do a Thierry Henry if it meant getting England through to the World Cup final.
Henry was crucified and labelled a 'cheat' for not owning up to a blatant handball in France's play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland four months ago.
Yet when asked what would he do if that happened to him in a World Cup semi-final, Lampard reckoned he would follow the Barcelona star's lead.
He would cough for the offence only after the match to save himself from a lynch mob.
The Chelsea midfielder admitted: "You know, I probably wouldn't say anything!
"I felt a bit sorry for Henry, because it was an instinctive action.
"I think it's probably easier to own up after the game. At least you're through then! That is probably the wrong thing to say, isn't it? But if I did own up and it cost us the game, I would probably be lynched when I got back to England."
Lampard does not want to tempt fate. But he told ShortList magazine he is looking forward to England reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.
And if it all goes down to penalties, he will be first in the queue to take one - despite messing up in the quarter-final against Portugal in 2006.
He added: "I'm a regular penalty-taker and I think, if that's the case, you're obliged to volunteer."
So would he be going for power or placement? Lamps revealed: "Well, I've tried to place it before and I mucked it up against Portugal. I think if you're really confident, then place it. But if you're a bit nervous, put your foot through it."
Henry was crucified and labelled a 'cheat' for not owning up to a blatant handball in France's play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland four months ago.
Yet when asked what would he do if that happened to him in a World Cup semi-final, Lampard reckoned he would follow the Barcelona star's lead.
He would cough for the offence only after the match to save himself from a lynch mob.
The Chelsea midfielder admitted: "You know, I probably wouldn't say anything!
"I felt a bit sorry for Henry, because it was an instinctive action.
"I think it's probably easier to own up after the game. At least you're through then! That is probably the wrong thing to say, isn't it? But if I did own up and it cost us the game, I would probably be lynched when I got back to England."
Lampard does not want to tempt fate. But he told ShortList magazine he is looking forward to England reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.
And if it all goes down to penalties, he will be first in the queue to take one - despite messing up in the quarter-final against Portugal in 2006.
He added: "I'm a regular penalty-taker and I think, if that's the case, you're obliged to volunteer."
So would he be going for power or placement? Lamps revealed: "Well, I've tried to place it before and I mucked it up against Portugal. I think if you're really confident, then place it. But if you're a bit nervous, put your foot through it."
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