Frank Lampard will be fully fresh to play, and perhaps captain, England against Ireland next week after being rested for Chelsea’s 4-3 defeat to Manchester City in St Louis last night.
Outgoing manager Rafael Benitez didn’t even name Lampard on the bench for the exhibition game, while England team-mates Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole played 45 and 90 minutes respectively.
The trio all flew back into London today, having been excused involvement in the second match against Manchester City in New York tomorrow.
It means they will all be fit to report for England duty at St George's Park on Sunday evening, three days before they face Ireland at Wembley.
Chelsea youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen impressed against a strong Manchester City outfit.
However, Benitez’s side contrived to blow a three-goal lead in the second half despite putting themselves in control after goals from Demba Ba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar.
But City scored four goals in the last 24 minutes through Javi Garcia, a brace from Edin Dzeko and Micah Richards to stun Chelsea in front of 46,000 fans.
