Frank Lampard is insisting that he "couldn't care less" about England's second-place finish in Group C at the World Cup, as it will give the side more time to prepare for their showdown with Germany on Sunday.
A last-gasp Landon Donovan winner for USA against Algeria relegated England into second place, leaving them to contemplate a more testing passage to glory than they would have faced had they won the group.
If they can negotiate a way past Germany, England are likely to face a quarter-final clash against an Argentina side that stormed through the opening stage with maximum points - but Lampard is remaining unconcerned about potential future opponents.
"I couldn't care less that we have finished second," Lampard said. “You cannot pick and choose your future matches. And finishing second might actually be a bonus for us because it now means we've got an extra day's rest before our next game on Sunday, rather than playing on Saturday."
England qualified for the round of 16 after producing a markedly improved performance to defeat Slovenia 1-0, having stuttered to draws against USA and Algeria in their first two games in South Africa.
Fabio Capello's men looked less inhibited by fear, and played with a greater freedom in their passing and movement as a result. Lampard was impressed by the performance, and he is urging his team-mates to use it as a springboard for progression in the tournament.
"This performance gives us a lot to build on. You have seen it many a time when teams in tournaments start a bit cagey and then come strong," he said. "We have to try to follow that model and try to keep improving every game. For everyone who is in it, the tournament starts here because it is knock-out."
A last-gasp Landon Donovan winner for USA against Algeria relegated England into second place, leaving them to contemplate a more testing passage to glory than they would have faced had they won the group.
If they can negotiate a way past Germany, England are likely to face a quarter-final clash against an Argentina side that stormed through the opening stage with maximum points - but Lampard is remaining unconcerned about potential future opponents.
"I couldn't care less that we have finished second," Lampard said. “You cannot pick and choose your future matches. And finishing second might actually be a bonus for us because it now means we've got an extra day's rest before our next game on Sunday, rather than playing on Saturday."
England qualified for the round of 16 after producing a markedly improved performance to defeat Slovenia 1-0, having stuttered to draws against USA and Algeria in their first two games in South Africa.
Fabio Capello's men looked less inhibited by fear, and played with a greater freedom in their passing and movement as a result. Lampard was impressed by the performance, and he is urging his team-mates to use it as a springboard for progression in the tournament.
"This performance gives us a lot to build on. You have seen it many a time when teams in tournaments start a bit cagey and then come strong," he said. "We have to try to follow that model and try to keep improving every game. For everyone who is in it, the tournament starts here because it is knock-out."
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