Moving to MLS could harm Lampard's England career

(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

By ROB HARRIS

LONDON (AP) After scoring England's first match-winner against Brazil in 23 years, Frank Lampard was told by coach Roy Hodgson that moving to the United States could jeopardize his national team prospects.

The 34-year-old midfielder has been informed by Chelsea that his contract won't be extended when it expires at the end of the season. He has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy but, having already scored 11 goals for Chelsea this season, Lampard will not be short of offers.

"I would rather hope that we will see him still, if not in England, in Europe because of course that will make my task a bit easier," Hodgson said Wednesday after England's 2-1 exhibition victory over Brazil.

After David Beckham joined the Los Angeles Galaxy, he commuted back and forth to play for England's national team. He also played on loan for AC Milan in early 2009 and 2010 in hopes of making England's 2010 World Cup roster.

"If he does follow David and goes further afield, that complicate matters," Hodgson said. "He, of course, understands that, the further afield you go, the more problematic it does become for the media to follow you, and the national team coach to follow you."

But Hodgson insists that playing club soccer outside Europe "doesn't necessarily mean that your career ends." Lampard hopes to reach a century of England appearances after netting his 27th international goal in his 94th match on Wednesday.

"I know he is going to have a lot of offers if Chelsea do decide they are prepared to let him go," Hodgson said.

Lampard has yet to comment on his future beyond Chelsea, where he has been since 2001. The London club could still respond to fan anger and reverse the decision not to offer a new contract.

Updated February 6, 2013