Ancelotti: Terry and Lampard should keep England places

Ancelotti, who had a 10-year-long international playing career with Italy, said he was surprised that a debate had even started about their futures with England.

But it did begin after both missed England's opening Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland, which ended in convincing 4-0 and 3-1 wins for their "other" Italian manager, Fabio Capello, England's coach.

"It would not be a benefit to Chelsea," he told a news briefing at the club's training complex in the leafy Surrey countryside.

"Terry and Lampard still have the desire to play for England and I think next time they will be ready to play for the national team.

"It is no problem with them getting injured, they are part of the England team."

Newcomer Adam Johnson's inclusion in midfield and a deeper lying role from Wayne Rooney suggested that the long-running debate about Lampard and Steven Gerrard playing together for England could finally be put to bed.

The debate about Terry's inclusion is less clearcut as he is still regarded as the natural partner for Rio Ferdinand at the heart of England's defence.

"Lampard needs more time to rest, he trained this week, he recovered very well but he needs more time. He will miss Saturday's game but maybe play in the Champions League next week."