Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says England fans can be excited about the young players coming into their own.

Lamps is in upbeat mood despite hearing criticism of the national side from - among others - former England striker Gary Lineker.

Lampard said: "There is a very positive feeling among the players. I feel more positive than I have for some time.

"That's because we have youngsters with pace like Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain and then there is Daniel Sturridge.

"We are under no illusions about the situation. We have dropped points in the qualifiers and the worst moment of my England career was not qualifying for the Euros in 2008.

"We didn't beat Ireland the other night but we haven't beaten them for I don't know how long - and I watched very good players in the past - like Lineker."