Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad, but has vowed to channel his heartache into improving himself and his game.
After a series of injuries contributed to his lack of football, the 30-year-old didn’t manage to tally up enough minutes on the pitch last season to secure a spot in the England squad, despite being hugely admired by Southgate.
Lallana was listed as a stand-by for the Three Lions, although at this point Southgate’s side have avoided any tournament-ending injuries during training or in international friendlies.
The midfielder told ‘Sportsmail’: ”It has been a difficult season but I feel like I will be stronger for it. I have been in constant dialogue with Gareth throughout the whole season really, not just since my last injury.”
”He has been absolutely fantastic with me.He called me to ask if I would be happy to be on standby. I said to him that I would always be available. I felt like I did the right thing coming and training with England.”
”His communication with the players isone of his greatest strengths – he never messes you around, soyou know where you stand and that’s been the case since he called me to say I wouldn’t be in the 23.”
Lallana added: ”Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I want to be out there,but these things happen, it’s the circumstances and I wish the lads the best of luck. I will be their biggest supporter I can tell you that.”