Frank Lampard has revealed he tried to sign Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham during his time as Chelsea boss.

23-year-old Rice and 19-year-old Bellingham both made their World Cup debuts on Monday in England’s 6-2 victory over Iran.

Lampard was full of praise for both players as he spoke in Qatar on Monday. In quotes carried by The Sun, he said of Bellingham: “He’s crucial for England – an outstanding talent.

“He’s more experienced and talented than his years show – to do what he’s done at the top level already.

“I tried to sign him when I was at Chelsea actually – unfortunately it didn’t happen but I wanted to sign him and Declan Rice.”