Don't finish Frank.

Question marks over Frank Lampard's international future have been raised as we bask in the glory of a routine 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia.

England brushed historically tricky opponents aside with a flurry of first half goals and with the new 4-2-3-1 formation in motion it is difficult to see who Lampard would displace.

The late, great Bill Shankly remarked that an ideal midfield is comprised of a 'spreader', a 'cruncher' and a 'buzzer'; and in Barry, Parker and Young one can see this ideology being adhered to.

However, does this really have to spell the end of Lampard's England career? The Chelsea playmaker is a fine passer and a committed professional leaving his numerous accolades aside. There is no way he can not be considered as an option.

The so called 'Golden Generation' which Lampard is a torch bearer of is now in twilight. The fresh blood of Smalling, Wilshere, Young and Hart have already marked the dawn of a new era and again Lampard is a part of a futile co-existence argument.

Could Lampard play with Gerrard? Of course he could. Can Lampard play a more disciplined midfield role? Of course he can. The overlap in generations gives Fabio Capello an opportunity to allow his youthful talent to be nurtured by his senior squad memebers, and Lampard has to be one.

In England's victorious Rugby World Cup campaign in 2003, a 36 year old Mike Catt supported the young star fly-half Johnny Wilkinson in massive games against France and Australia.

The utility back was preferred to Tindall due to his superior kicking skills and tactical acumen which proved vital in the semi-final against France. He also appeared as a substitute in the famous final becoming the oldest player ever to compete in a RWC Final.

England are often criticised for not keeping possession, losing their discipline and ultimately being outsmarted by quality opposition. Lampard has amassed 87 international caps, competed in 3 World Cups and suffered adversity at the hands of refereeing controversy, missed penalties and most memorably a lack of goal-line technology.

You learn more from your mistakes than your successes and Lampard is an invaluable role model for inexperienced midfielders such as Wilshere and even Scott Parker with his own limited international exposure.

Most importantly, Lampard is still a good player. At 33 he still absolutely commands a free role at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea look a shadow of the side they are with a fit Frank than they are without him.

World Cups are often a stage for older players to take their final bow. Take Zidane's Golden Ball winning performance in 2006; Cannavaro's Jules Rimet winning leadership in the same year; and staying in 2006, David Beckham's underappreciated contribution assisting or scoring all but one of England's goals at 31 years young.

To consider Lampard as a squad player as opposed to an untouchable name on the team sheet is a sign of England's progress and the quality of our young players. It is not a reflection on Lampard's ability, fitness or desire to play for his country.