Lampard played every minute of this summer's disappointing World Cup under previous manager Sven-Goran Eriksson despite a slump in form.

But despite looking certain for Saturday's European qualifying match against Macedonia and next Wednesday's game in Croatia, Lampard insists he is not taking his place in the team for granted.

"That is one of the really good and refreshing things with Steve McClaren and his staff," he said.

"From the moment you join up with the team on Tuesday afternoon, there is pressure.

"You know that you must train well, that you must be around the hotel with your mind on the game and that when the game comes you must perform at your top level."

McClaren has already stamped his authority on the side by omitting former captain David Beckham from every squad since taking over, and Lampard accepts no-one is certain of their place any more.

"This is England we are talking about, not some team that does not have young players pushing for places," he said.

"I have always had the idea that if my level drops I could be out of the team. The thing that keeps the top players on top is that they keep pushing themselves."

Concerns over Lampard's form have continued into the new domestic season but he has vowed to prove wrong those who have begun to doubt his ability since the World Cup.

The 28-year-old hit an incredible 23 goals for club and country last season but failed to find the net when it mattered this summer.

"After the World Cup, I rued the fact that I had not scored any goals," he said.

"You have to shut your ears off and not take to heart what is being said, because we all doubt ourselves in certain moments.

"I had a few weeks off and now I just want to work hard. The only way you can put things right is on the pitch," Lampard added on BBC Radio Five Live.