Lampard: Timing of England friendly 'not ideal'

England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard insists that next Wednesday's friendly against Hungary is an unwanted distraction just three days before the Premier League kick-off.

Lampard acknowledged that the friendly is important as England begin preparations for the 2012 European Championships qualification campaign, but said that the timing was not convenient for clubs.

"It's obviously not an ideal situation. I've only been back in pre-season training for a week and a half and a lot of clubs are having the same problems with their World Cup players," The Sun quoted Lampard, as saying.

"All the teams want to get players fit for the start of the season, but England also need to prepare for the European Championship qualifying games."

"Right now I'm just excited to be back at Chelsea, but the Hungary match has always been there on the calendar so as a professional playing for your country you go and you play," he added.

Chelsea will play West Brom in the Premier League opener on August 14.