The Chelsea midfielder put his groin and calf setbacks behind him and scored England's opening goal from the penalty spot in a 2-0 win over Wales in their Euro 2012 qualifier at the Millennium Stadium yesterday.

There was speculation before the game that Lampard would lose his place after Fabio Capello had indicated Jack Wilshere would now be an automatic starter.

But Lampard showed he still has plenty to offer at international level in linking up well with Wilshere and Scott Parker.

He said: "I think I'm coming back to my best form now. It's been a very difficult season.

"I've missed half of it - and I've never really had that kind of a break from the game before.

"You miss a 'pre-season' feel because you come straight back into football and then I broke down a little bit again with a calf.

"It's been a bit stop-start in January and February, but in the last few games for Chelsea I've started to feel as fit as I had beforehand.

"That's a lovely feeling to have back because I was out a long time and it was frustrating being out. But now I'm feeling really good.

"I don't go into games now worrying about the groin or anything else. I just worry about trying to play."

Lampard is experienced enough not to be fazed by the reports claiming he was about to be axed.

He said: "That's typical. With England, that happens. I've been around a long time and been lucky enough to be very regular, and I tried not to let it concern me.

"We don't get the papers in there but I was aware of the talk.

"It's a good squad, a strong squad, and never for any minute should any player be resting on their laurels about getting picked."

Lampard admits the England players were inspired by the atmosphere in the Millennium Stadium as they secured the win which puts them back on top of their qualifying group.

He said: "The anthems were great. The atmosphere was brilliant. Credit to their fans, it's a huge game for them.

"I sat there during the morning watching the build-up on television and that was clear.

"They wanted to use that atmosphere to inspire their players and, when you've got that behind you, it does inspire.

"But, as the team going there, you have to let it inspire you as well."

Lampard added: "I think that win puts us in the driving seat. We drew against Montenegro, and they're the strongest team in the group with us at the moment.

"We're in a strong position. We had to win against Wales and it was a game that, on paper, we should have won even if it was not going to be easy.

"We did it. With Switzerland coming up, if we can win that game as well, we'll put ourselves in a strong position."