Baffled Cole backs Lampard to beat the England boo-boys

Lampard was jeered when he came on as a second-half substitute during the comfortable 3-0 win over Estonia in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley.

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Striker Peter Crouch and midfielder Owen Hargreaves have also received similar treatment at various times during the past two years.

Cole is perplexed as to why Lampard, who has lost his starting spot to Gareth Barry, has joined that list.

But he is backing him to come through with flying colours as England begin preparations for Wednesday's vital clash with Russia in Moscow.

Cole said: "For me, Frank is one of the best players in the world. He has never let England down.

"He has been England's player of the year. It amazes me that people can do that.

"I can't believe it. He is one of the best players I have played with. I can't remember him having too many average games in an England shirt.

"But Frank is a strong character. If anyone is a strong enough character to deal with that, it is Frank.

"It is not nice when it happens to anyone. But Frank will come through this and show people what a top player he is."

England will have to contend with playing on an artificial pitch in Moscow but Cole believes that should not affect their level of performance as they look for the win which will ensure qualification for the 2008 finals.

He said: "Russia are going to be a different kettle of fish to Estonia. It is going to be tough. They are a good side and when they lost 3-0 here the scoreline did not do them justice.

"People go on about the plastic pitch but, for me, the ball is still going to be round and it is still going to be 11 versus 11 and there no excuses.

"I have played on Hackney Marshes so I am sure it will be better than those! We certainly don't fear the artificial pitch."

Cole feels the game against Estonia, settled by three goals in the first half, was perfect preparation for the battle with the Russians.

He said: "It was a good performance. It was one of those games where you can make it difficult for yourselves, which we have done in the past, or you can make it comfortable.

"Our attitude, the way we came out and went straight at them, made it nice and comfortable. I'd be happy to be 3-0 up after 30 minutes in every game.

"We were able to make sure a couple of players didn't over-exert themselves in the last half-hour so we will be nice and fresh for Wednesday. It was a good build-up for the Russia game."