England's Lampard, Gerrard to be inducted into Hall of Fame

Former England players Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, legends of Chelsea and Liverpool, will be inducted in the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in September, the museum announced on Thursday.

Several United Kingdom football legends will also be introduced, including late Wales manager Gary Speed, West Ham legend Billy Bonds, Arsenal long-time goalkeeper Bob Wilson, and historic Manchester United player Charlie Roberts, reports Efe.

New inductees also include Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey, who both played for Arsenal Ladies, and Paralympic player Alistair Patrick-Heselton.

These nine football stars will be included in the Hall of Fame on Sep. 21 during a ceremony to take place at Manchester's National Football Museum.

Museum interim director Kevin Haygarth said: "We're delighted to be inducting nine players who have amazed us with their commitment to the great game.

"The decision-making panel is made up of some of the greatest players and managers to grace the game, including some of the 1966 World Cup winning team, which makes the accolade even more prestigious," Haygarth added.

To be considered for induction, players must be either retired or at least 30 years of age and played or managed for at least five years in England.

Sir Bobby Charlton, Ossie Ardiles, Sir Tom Finney, Gordon Banks, Peter Schmeichel, Sir Geoff Hurst, Kevin Keegan, Bryan Robson, Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand and David Seaman are some of the former players who have already made it into the Hall of Fame.

--IANS

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