Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard admits he avoided the hype over his England axing last week.
Lampard revealed after Tuesday night's 1-0 win at Wembley that he still had the hunger to play for his country.
"People like to give off the idea that players are expecting to play every game and we've never been like that," Lampard said.
"We're all professionals and driven, and our egos are only our desire to succeed individually and as a group, and we haven't quite done that for England.
"It should be competitive and I've had phases before where I've sat on the bench for England.
"The furore, I tried to stay away from this week and just tried to keep my head down and concentrate.
"I don't mind. I'm very proud to play and I'll play as long as I can contribute for England - and I feel I can do that."
