Frank Lampard: It’s a pleasure to play with Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard

Frank Lampard described playing alongside Steven Gerrard as a pleasure after England eased to a 5-0 victory over Moldova in their 2014 World Cup qualifier on Friday night.

The 34-year-old midfielder scored twice in the opening 30 minutes, before Jermain Defoe netted on the stroke of half-time to give England a comfortable advantage.

James Milner and Leighton Baines both netted in a one-sided second half, and Lampard was pleased by England’s performance, and particularly his partnership with the Three Lions skipper.

“Steven’s always a pleasure to play with because he’s a top player,” said Lampard.

The Chelsea star added: “They’re tricky places to come I’d say and the early goal always helps settle your nerves.

“After that our first-half performance in particular was sharp – full of some young pace in the team – and that won us the game in 45.

“It’s nice [to score]. But more importantly I think the way I play these days, in a bit more disciplined role, those kinds of goals are few and far between.

“When you’re part of a good performance and you see the young players coming through it gives you real excitement.”

Gerrard was replaced by Michael Carrick at half-time with the visitors leading 3-0, and the Liverpool captain dispelled any concerns over his fitness ahead of England’s next World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Tuesday.

“There are no problems at all, I’m fit and fine,” Gerrard said.

He added: “I think when you come up against nations like this, ideally you want to finish the game by half-time.”

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