Capello says Lampard still has Eng future

London: Fabio Capello insists Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard still remains "an important player" for England.

The 32-year-old was replaced by Ashley Young at half-time in England's 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday, but Capello says the reason behind his decision was due to the midfielder, who scored his 22nd international goal in the match, not being fresh.

"Frank Lampard is an important player, when he is fresh, he is a really important player. He has a big personality on the pitch and he scores goals. When he is in a good moment of form, he is a good player," Capello told reporters.

He added: "He played a lot of games.

"I saw him and he was not fresh like the other players. I decided to make a change because of this."

Lampard's replacement, Young, further staked his claim for a regular starting spot by scoring England's equaliser against Ottmar Hitzfeld's side.

Capello also reiterated his stance that the players were tired against Switzerland, claiming the movement of the ball was difficult due to fatigue.

"They trained really well," he said. "But a game lasts an hour and a half.

"It is not my idea they are really tired. You can see it on the pitch."

He added: "When you are not fresh, the movement of the ball is difficult.

"If you run at 60kph and others run at 100, it is difficult to get through.

"But when you are fresh the ball moves quickly without problem, one touch, two touches maximum.

"If you have the ball, you need to move and pass. When you lose it, you need to get it back.

"That is what we did against Wales. This time it was more difficult."

Lampard and his England team-mates will have a two-month break before their next international game in a friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley.