Bilic, a former West Ham team-mate of Lampard, is claiming Fabio Capello's side is flawed, that they have lost their edge and also a degree of "Englishness".

Lampard has massive respect for Bilic who took himself and Rio Ferdinand under his wing when they were youngsters at Upton Park.

But he is used to hearing Mourinho using a similar approach when in charge at Chelsea and concedes England are not the finished article.

Lampard said: "I remember Slaven from his time at West Ham being very intelligent and making a big impression on the pitch and also behind the scenes.

"He was very helpful to young players like myself and Rio and he was a cult hero at West Ham.

"Every time I see him speak he talks about his close relationship with his players as if they are family.

"It is very important for modern day managers to have that relationship with players because they then give that little bit extra for you.

"In terms of what he is saying now, there might be some reverse psychology to it, almost like Mourinho is as a manger.

"He is thinking one step ahead and thinking of any little edge he can get on the other teams.

"Maybe what he is saying is not necessarily what he is thinking. There might be a bit of mind games about it.

"I think that is very good management if it is the case but it is important as an England team not to get sucked in by that.

"There is not point really in us listening to all that talk."

Lampard added: "No-one has to tell us that there can be weaknesses - because our weaknesses will show through if we are not fully concentrated. We know we are improving but we are not the finished article.

"However, I have never known a team so confident going into games and we are not lacking in any sort of spirit."

Joleon Lescott became the latest England player to be the target of the boo boys during Saturday's friendly international with Slovenia following his £25-million move from Everton to Manchester City.

Lampard has received similar treatment in the past but believes it is all part of modern culture and players have to learn to deal with it.

He said: "I don't know Joleon very well but I think he is quite tough.

"I think it is unfortunate because he is a player who has moved clubs and tried to move forward his career - and then he gets that happen to him.

"Players should be judged on how they play and the effort they put in and Joleon has always put in 100%.

"I think the booing is modern day culture. It's unfortunate but as players we have to accept that is the way it is.

"I've had a bit of it, Ashley Cole has had a bit of the same and the only benefit from it is it makes you stronger and tougher.

"At the end of the day, the adulation you get if you are successful with England is probably superior to anything else so you see both sides of the coin."

Lampard believes England will reap the benefits if they can qualify for the 2010 finals in South Africa with two games to spare by winning on Wednesday evening.

He said: "It will be nice to qualify early and give us time to concentrate on our game knowing that we are going to be there next summer.

"Everyone would love that cushion, we could look to the future and the fans would be able to make their plans for the finals.

"But even if we do go through on Wednesday, it is very important we concentrate on the games coming up because it is important we keep on improving as we head towards the World Cup."

ends