Frank is England Player of the Year 2004 - official

Last updated : 21 January 2005 By Paul Lagan

Our Frank has been voted England player of the year.

Voting, run by the Football Association, and voted on by fans make Lamps the best domestic player in England - now it's official.
Frank romped home with 40 per cent of the vote.

Speaking on the FA website, Frank said: "This award means a lot to me.

"I was surprised to hear I was in the lead because I was up against the likes of Wayne Rooney, but to win is great.

"It’s an honour to have fans up and down the country think that highly of me."

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who did not vote, said: "Congratulations to Frank, he's been playing brilliantly for England for a very long time.

He's played nearly all the games for Chelsea for over two years, and he is getting better and better.

"He defends well, he's a good tackler," added Sven.

He's good on the ball, passes well and scores goals. You can't ask for much more from a midfielder. He deserves it."

Voting in full:
1. FRANK LAMPARD - 40%
England Player of the Year 2004
2. Wayne Rooney - 16%
3. Steven Gerrard - 9.8%
4. Ashley Cole - 9.4%
5. Shaun Wright-Phillips - 7%