Gladiator Frank Lampard determined to become England centurion

Frank Lampard made his 75th international appearance a decade after his debut and set his sights on joining an elite band of England players to win 100 caps.

Former skipper David Beckham is closing in on Peter Shilton as England's most capped player but Lampard is determined to join his team-mate as a centurion.

The Chelsea midfielder, 31, is likely to face Belarus at Wembley tomorrow night as England close their World Cup qualifying campaign and he said: "I want to make it 100. I am determined to try and do that. I have enjoyed every cap I have got and am very proud to have reached that level because I never thought I would get that number when I won my first cap 10 years ago.

"It doesn't seem like 10 years. I will try and carry on playing for my country and will work hard to do as much as I can for as long as I can. If it gets me to a century of caps great, although if it gets me to a World Cup win, it would be even better."

Lampard made his debut against Belgium under Kevin Keegan but took time to establish himself at the top level. He added: "I was disregarded for a couple of years - probably quite rightly because I don't think I was ready to play regularly for my country then - and I have had my ups and downs.

"But anyone who has played for 10 years has probably had the same kind of thing. I am very proud to have reached this level."