England boss Roy Hodgson has announced that veteran midfielder Frank Lampard will be his side's vice-captain at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The 35-year-old, who has captained England six times during his international career, was skipper when the Three Lions travelled to Brazil for a friendly a year ago.

Hodgson described the Chelsea man as a "key member" of his squad and pointed towards the qualities he brings to the squad off the field as the reasons why he was chosen.

"Frank Lampard is vice-captain," Hodgson revealed to reporters. "Frank's been the vice-captain all along in Steven [Gerrard]'s absences, which I think has been two, he's stepped up quite brilliantly.

"I've always thought that he was going to be a key member of this 23 because of his experience and what he brings to the team apart from pure footballing ability.

"He brings a lot of other things to us in terms of his leadership qualities and characteristics."

Lampard has earned 103 caps for England since making his debut in 1999.