No England victory is complete, it seems, without a scapegoat to provide a side-show for sneering supporters.

Blackburn's David Bentley was the victim against Israel - the result of his late withdrawal from the European Under-21 Championship last summer.

Everton defender Phil Neville also felt the cold blast of Wembley's ire with little reason other than he is, well, Phil Neville.

Liverpool's Peter Crouch has also suffered abuse from England's fans in the past, based on the fact that he is tall and thin.

But the jeers have never been louder or longer than they were for Chelsea midfield man Lampard when he made his entrance with the game already won against Estonia.

And when Lampard obliged his detractors with a badly misplaced pass behind Joleon Lescott and a ball that was just too long for Shaun Wright-Phillips, his stock sank even further.

England's fans pay their hard-earned cash to follow their country, so they are entitled to voice their opinion.

But the abuse of Lampard is baseless and, at times, vindictive.

Lampard has been ousted from his central midfield slot by Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, who once again produced an excellent display, and is unlikely to get it back against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday.

But he is still vital to England's cause and remains one of the finest midfield operators in Europe.

And yet for some reason, supporters who have suffered far worse England players in silence, see fit to single Lampard out as their current whipping boy.

Lampard's unpopularity is a mystery. Is it the Chelsea factor? Is there a strong contingent of West Ham fans among England's support who still harbour a grudge?

Whatever the reason, the very public and embarrassing jeering of Lampard should stop.

If those leading the criticism are demanding greater effort and performances from Lampard, jeering and screaming abuse is hardly the best way to go about it.

You still wouldn't bet against him getting a crucial goal in Russia on Wednesday, and where would his critics turn then?

Sadly for Lampard, his attempts to press his case have been hampered by the emergence of Barry as England's midfield anchor alongside Steven Gerrard.

Neat and tidy, although maybe not as effective as against Russia, Barry still did enough to earn another crack at Guus Hiddink's side.

Rarely squandering possession, Barry also demonstrated commendable energy, covering the princely sum of 11,758 metres in England's cause.

There was little in England's display against Estonia to get the pulse racing, apart from a few moments of quality from Wayne Rooney.

But it was efficient and there was never a doubt England would claim an easy victory.

The only cloud on the horizon was an injury for Ashley Cole, ironic when McClaren may have been considering removing him to save a yellow card that would have ruled him out of Russia.

England will have to play with greater tempo, verve and inspiration to secure the result they need in Moscow - but for now another comfortable three points will do.

And if there is some justice, Frank Lampard will be around when the crucial points are claimed.