Lambert: This was a ruthless experience
The first word that springs to mind for Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert when describing his experience of the World Cup with England this summer is 'ruthless'.
Frustrating Group D defeats by Italy and Uruguay consigned the Three Lions to an immediate exit from the tournament in Brazil, to the disappointment of all involved.
Lambert departed for South America just days after sealing an emotional return to the Reds, but his contribution has largely been restricted to watching from the bench.
The 32-year-old believes the journey has further increased his understanding of the game, though, and hopes that he and his teammates can reflect on the positives in months to come.
"It's ruthless, it's absolutely ruthless," Lambert told FIFA. "It's something that I've never experienced before in my life, I've played in a lot of games but I've never played in a tournament.
"It's hard to forget about and start looking to the future; it's going to take time to get over what's happened. When it does die down, when it does clear a little bit, then I think we can take positives."
The former Southampton forward witnessed new Anfield colleague Luis Suarez single-handedly down England last Thursday with two goals of consummate skill and clinical efficiency.
"It's the one or two per cent that makes all the difference and both games went to the other team, which is devastating," Lambert reflected.
"Games are mostly won on fine margins. Both games I thought we were better, I thought we were the better team, and we haven't managed to take our chances, and the opposition have taken their chances."
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