Adkins: Lallana fully deserved England call (From Daily Echo)

Adkins: Lallana fully deserved England call

10:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in Sport By Adam Leitch, Chief Sports Writer

Nigel Adkins was delighted to see captain Adam Lallana recognised by England this week.

The 24-year-old became the latest Saints academy graduate to link up with the senior team after getting the call from Roy Hodgson for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine following a spate of withdrawals.

Lallana follows the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott into the national fold and, while he did not get on the pitch, Adkins believes the move only bodes well for both the player and club.

“He is at a good age now of 24 and that is why he has got the captain’s armband here,” said Adkins.

“He has got that maturity about him and he has played his games.

“His standard in training is outstanding every day.

“His performances on the pitch get the supporters on their feet. They love watching him.

“He is a talented, talented football player and he deservedly got the opportunity the other night.

“And, all being well, now he is performing in the Barclays Premier League , people can see his talents week in, week out and people can be a little bit more aware of the qualities and abilities of Adam Lallana.

“It’s fantastic when we talk about Southampton having players going to Uruguay, Africa, Japan and all around the world (on international duty).

“And we have got somebody in the senior set-up of England, which is fantastic.

“We had someone away with the (England) under-21s, someone away with the under-19s as well and it is just great that Southampton Football Club have now got players in the senior national teams around the globe.”