In what seem to the twilight of his career, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has made an unexpected turnaround under the guidance of a man who once triggered his career into prominence - Jose Mourinho.

Now aged 35, the celebration of the longevity of his career will be highlighted in a friendly against Chile at the Wembley Stadium on Friday.

Lampard will be handed the prestigious golden cap for playing, at least, 100 matches for England.

"It will be very special, 100 caps was a long time coming, I've seen gold caps rightly given to Stevie (Steven Gerrard) and Ashley (Cole) and I'm very proud," Lampard told chelseafc.com.

"The idea to involve Sir Geoff was an FA idea, which I was obviously very happy with as I've had links to him my whole life, with my dad knowing him and what an England hero he is."

"I requested my dad be involved because there aren't many international father and sons, it's the sort of thing he'd normally shy away from but with a bit of pressing he's managed to get himself out there and hopefully he'll be a very proud dad."

With the roughly eight months before the World Cup, Lampard is determined to fight for his place, mostly against up and coming midfield sensation, in Roy Hodgson's roster.

"It will be very tough, it's a great position for the manager to be in because a few years ago we were asking where the youth was and the exciting players who were going to create chances and score goals for us," he intimated.

"We've watched them all come in, step up and play great games. These young boys have come in with no fear and they're adding something to the squad. Every player is in the manager's thoughts, not just the ones that are here today."

"It's up to every individual to stake a claim, there's a big gap now until the next England game so we have to put everything into these games and then go away and perform for our clubs as best we can."

While friendlies are meant to prepare teams leading to the competition, playing against Germany on Tuesday at Wembley gives much of an excitement to Chelsea's all-time top scorer.

"I hope to play against Germany as much as every player in the squad does, I'm fortunate enough to captain the team tomorrow but come the Germany game on Tuesday we'll all want to be involved," he revealed.

"They're two very exciting friendlies because they test us. The South American style is different to what we're used to playing against, so that tests us, and what more can an England player want than to play against the old enemy Germany at Wembley while we're playing well and on a good run?"

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