Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Leighton Baines hailed the continuing importance to England of midfielder Frank Lampard after he reached the 25-goal mark for his country.
Lampard struck twice in last night's 5-0 win in Moldova in the opening World Cup qualifier to move ahead of 1966 hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst in the all-time list of England goalscorers.
The Chelsea midfielder is back in favour under head coach Roy Hodgson after being reduced primarily to a bit-part role during the latter stages of Fabio Capello's reign.
Lampard was named stand-in captain for last month's victory over Italy in Berne and linked up well with skipper Steven Gerrard in Chisinau.
Winger Oxlade-Chamberlain said: "I don't think you can ever write Frank Lampard off.
"For me, he has been fantastic for many years for Chelsea and England.
"It was two typical goals from him against Moldova that really helped us.
"He is so reliable from the penalty spot and making a late run into the box and scoring his second is trademark Frank Lampard."
Left-back Baines echoed Oxlade-Chamberlain's sentiments and said: "Frank is massive for England, he is such a fantastic player, he pops up with goals all the time and it is what he is all about.
"He is reliable from the spot, scored a fantastic goal with his head and is also very important to our build-up play as well.
"He is on the ball all the time and keeps us ticking over."
