Lallana: 'Saints competition did them the world of good'

Tuesday 07 Oct 2014
Lallana was speaking at St. George's Park on Tuesday
Last season's fight for Southampton's right-back berth did Calum Chambers and Nathaniel Clyne the "world of good" - according to Adam Lallana.

England midfielder Lallana, who joined Liverpool in the summer, broke into the Three Lions squad last season alongside his ex-Saints team-mates Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw.

Chambers, now of Arsenal, and Clyne are the latest players with ties to St Mary’s to be called up by Roy Hodgson. 

England v San Marino

European Qualifiers Group E
7.45pm, Thursday 9 October 2014
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
TheFA.com/tickets

And as they prepare to renew their rivalry for a spot in the backline, Lallana knows his country will be fielding a “top right-back” against San Marino and Estonia, whoever gets the nod.

“When Ricky, Jay, Luke and I got called up we knew Calum and Clyney were improving and it was only a matter of time before they got the call,” said Lallana at St. George’s Park on Tuesday afternoon.

“He and Calum were fighting it out for the right-back spot and it did them the world of good, they're top right-backs and still very young.

“Nathaniel Clyne has improved a lot over the last two years and he really deserved his call-up. He's a top draw player and I'm really happy for him and I am sure he will do well when given the chance.”

Adam Lallana speaks to the press

Lallana comes into the squad in good spirits after netting his first Liverpool goal on Saturday, putting a frustrating start to his Anfield career behind him after injury.

And now he is back with the Three Lions, he says the camp is in buoyant mood ahead of the Euro double-headers against San Marino on Thursday and Estonia on Sunday.

“It’s been a good week,” said Lallana. “We got three points and I got a goal and I am feeling back to full sharpness having been injured – I have put the hours in and I feel good.”

Chambers featured for Arsenal at Chelsea last weekend

Chambers featured for Arsenal at Chelsea at the weekend

“The atmosphere with England has always been brilliant and a great place to work. With Steven Gerrard as captain and Wayne Rooney now it's a great feeling, you have good and bad times – we are down when we lose – but we back each other up.”

He added: “We've got to remain focussed on ourselves - that's vital for a good performance. It's a target to get points. Estonia will be difficult to go to but we will be expected to get the win. We are not looking past the two games, we want to get the job done.”

Tickets for the game against San Marino are still available. You can buy online via TheFA.com/tickets

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer