James Milner hailed Frank Lampard as an "outstanding" player for club and country after the Chelsea midfielder announced he is leaving Stamford Bridge this summer.
Lampard, who scored 211 goals in 649 appearances for the Blues, is to leave the club after 13 hugely successful years and Milner sees him as the perfect professional.
England v Ecuador
International match
Sun Life Stadium, Miami
8pm Wednesday 4 June 2014
Live on ITV1
“It is hard to put into words [how good he has been],” he said.
“If you see how many goals he has scored and how many trophies he has won – his form over the years for club and country has been outstanding.
“He never seems to have an off-season - every single season he delivers and the example is set for the younger players to come in.
“Ever since he came into the England squad he has been a top player and a top pro and that is exactly what we need going into a major tournament.”
Milner also sees Lampard as a vital part of England’s World Cup squad so other players can learn from him.
“Obviously we have got the younger players but we also have five or six who have been to a World Cup before who can help the lads,” said 28-year-old Milner.
“Come that first game I don’t think we could be better prepared than we will be”
James Milner
“I think there is a great mix - everybody is really focused and ready to go.
“There is a real professional feel around the squad and everybody knows what is expected of them - the preparations have been second to none.”
Milner said that the Miami’s weather conditions will be hugely beneficial for England’s preparations ahead of the their opening World Cup fixture against Italy in Manaus.
“Here it is mimicking the conditions that we are going to have out in Brazil so it is perfect,” he added.
“Come that first game I don’t think we could be better prepared than we will be.”
