Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard insists England can handle the absence of teammate Gary Cahill for their World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

The Chelsea defender could still play a part against group leaders Montenegro four days later but Lampard dismissed thoughts of a defensive crisis.

"It happens, these are the moments when you need a strong squad," he said.

"It sometimes happens when you lose two, three or four players from the same position.

"That would probably affect any squad in the world and we're probably fortunate that we've got some very good young players. It will be time for those players to stand up.

"I'm sure they can do it because they do it regularly."