England's Steven Gerrard, Chris Smalling and Frank Lampard (L-R) acknowledge the crowd at the end of their 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match against Costa Rica at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte June 24, 2014. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
LONDON (Reuters) - Although it was far from unexpected, Frank Lampard's international retirement increased the challenge facing England manager Roy Hodgson as he looks to move the team forward for the 2016 European Championship and beyond.
Lampard, on loan at Manchester City before heading to New York City, called time on his international career on Tuesday, barely two months after returning from England's dismal World Cup campaign in Brazil.
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