World Cup beckons for Lallana

AdAm LALLAnA’s first action back as a Liverpool starter was to collect the ball in a tight spot on halfway, wriggle free of Porto’s Andre Andre and draw a foul. It was like he’d never been away. But he has, and for a good while now. Lallana (right) has not played 90 minutes since last may and this was his first start in two months. His crosses were teasing, his movement intelligent and tracking back commendable. The signs are there. And strangely, given his prolonged absence, the 29-year-old has never felt more secure. His position for club and, perhaps more interestingly, country will not suffer because of the succession of setbacks. Gareth southgate has kept in regular contact with the midfielder and Jurgen Klopp during the long, painstaking months and — at the moment — has every intention of taking him to Russia. That is the sort of confidence Lallana required as he underwent rehabilitation for two separate problems following the long-term thigh injury sustained last summer. Klopp has spoken effusively this week about his importance to Liverpool but the fact that southgate still views him as a leader in England’s pack as they head for the World Cup speaks volumes. He needs quality in midfield and knows Lallana is dependable and has a spark, his clever cut back to James milner deserving of a better finish shortly after half-time. sources say southgate’s relationship with him actually matches those of Klopp and mauricio Pochettino before that at southampton. Lallana feels wanted from all sides and as such the recovery process has not been quite as laborious or worrying as you might expect. However, there was that red card in an Under 23 match for grabbing a Tottenham player by the neck. nevertheless, he apologised to coach neil Critchley, his team-mates and personally contacted spurs. There is a belief within Liverpool’s medical staff that Lallana is actually stronger than ever. not that the enforced break has been a positive, far from it, but that this time spent on the bench since returning last month has helped him reacclimatise at his own pace. And Lallana looked energised at Anfield, of that there is no question. The first real Klopp disciple following the German’s arrival here, Lallana’s verve — even on a night with nothing riding on it — showed quite why he is viewed as so integral by Liverpool’s manager. And England’s for that matter.

JACK GAUGHAN at Anfield