Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has dismissed claims the England careers of the nation's best veterans are over.
In his column for the Telegraph, Hansen wrote: "Until the team that played in Sofia comes up against an opponent of genuine international pedigree, the quiet optimism generated by Friday's victory cannot be truly tested and quantified.
"Which is why it is totally premature to suggest it is all over for Lampard, Gerrard and Ferdinand with England.
"It is all well and good to say that Capello should now be ruthless and turn instead to the likes of Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill and Stewart Downing, who all did well against Bulgaria. You also have Jack Wilshere, who is a fabulous player, and the likes of Phil Jones coming through to challenge for selection.
"But what if Gerrard and Ferdinand come back from injury and return to their best form with Liverpool and Manchester United respectively? The same goes with Lampard at Chelsea.
"Once you get past 30 as a footballer, you are on a downward trend, but certainly not finished by any means."
