Could it be that Frank Lampard, a longtime staple of England's national team, has played his last match in a major tournament for his country?
Although it is just speculation at this point, the idea is not as far-fetched as it may seem.
Lampard suffered a thigh injury on Wednesday during training for Euro 2012. He will undergo a scan to determine the severity of the injury while Jordan Henderson has been placed on standby incase Lampard must be replaced.
Lampard reemerged in the second half of the season following his struggles early and helped lead Chelsea to a Champions League final win over Bayern Munich. Even so, he has not been favored by England manager Fabio Capello. Lampard has started just once in England's previous five matches. Even when other midfielders such as Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere were injured, Lampard had difficulty finding playing time.
Lampard, who turns 34 in June, made his debut with England in 1999 and has appeared in the last two World Cups for his country.
If he is forced to miss the European Championship, Lampard may not see another major tournament after seemingly falling down the pecking order of England players. Aside from his play on the field, Lampard is a veteran whose experience will be missed should he be forced off the team.
England opens the Euros against France on June 11.
