Friendship on hold as James battles Lallana

8:16am Friday 10th October 2008

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Lloyd James has warned Adam Lallana he will do whatever it takes to beat his lifelong friend tonight – even if he has to incur the wrath of Jan Poortvliet.

The two Saints youngsters, both products of the club’s academy, go head-to-head at Ninian Park as the England under-21s, which Lallana represents, faces James’ Wales under-21 side in the first of a two legged play-off to reach the European Championships.

Lallana and James have both established themselves as first team regulars at St Mary’s this season after years together growing up in the academy and reserve sides.

Watch as Adam Lallana speaks about his call-up to the squad.

It will be a special moment for both players tonight.

However, James insists once they cross the white line he will do whatever it takes to win.

He said: “Adam rung me as soon as he’d been called up and I was delighted for him.

“He deserves nothing less for the way he’s played this season.

“I hope he gets a game for the under-21s because he deserves it – but hopefully we win it.

“He deserves his chance and it will be great to see him when we get to the game.

“It’s every young lad’s dream to play in the European Championships at under-21 level because it’s great to represent your country.

“Hopefully it will be great if we qualify.

“We’ll be going out to win.

“It’s the same as on the training ground –you’re in it to win it. I just want to do as well as I can and see what happens on the day and I think we’ve got a good chance.

“I’ll give him a crunch if needs be – I’m not sure the gaffer will be too happy, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.

“We’ll both play to win.”

Lallana, who is joined in Stuart Pearce’s England squad by on loan Saints defender Jack Cork, was quite happy to join in with the pre-match banter from James and said he wasn’t scared of what his teammate had to offer.

“He’s given me a few kicks in training before so I’m used to it, but he’s a pussycat anyway,” smiled Lallana.

“I’m looking forward to it and it’s good we’ve both been selected for our countries at this level. It will be interesting to see what happens.

“It’s a big couple of games with the winners going through to the Championships and I’m just hoping to feature."

For full story see today's Daily Echo.