After Lampard's form on the international scene for England has been terrible do you not think your England manager needs to grow a set and drop him. i can't even say his recent form as I can not remember a match were he played well. As such I suggest Carrick should get a run of games (in Hargreaves absence).
Carrick's performance has been average for England but with a run of games without Lampard being afforded a position (that realistically stops other CM players) playing his form would pick up.
Anyone who claims that Lampard does not have an adverse affect on who plays with him should look at a few facts.
Ballack has struggled to play with him at club level.
Gerrard has struggled at international level.
Dido for Carrick.
The only system in which a midfielder has excelled while playing with Lampard is with a defensive midfielder covering for Lampard.
This takes a specialist Def Mid i.e. Makelele or Hargreaves.
The reason is that because of Lampard's absence in his defensive duties these Makelele type players are given a heavier workload and see a lot more of the play. Why??
As Lampard's position relies upon a tight midfield the play becomes congested and the majority of it is played through central areas, giving the Def Mid a huge influence on the game.
The only benefit of having Lampard is that he shoots on sight. If he does not have his shooting boots on then chances are few and far between.
Carrick would free up Gerrard and unshackle the wingers through bringing balance to the side and his range of passing.
Your thoughts?