Lallana’s England homework

ADAM LALLANA has been using his time out of the England squad to study where he will fit into Gareth Southgate’s system at the World Cup this summer.

Liverpool’s Lallana, who has struggled with a thigh strain this season, appeared for England for the first time in nine months on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old was a secondhalf substitute against Italy and is confident he will be on the plane to Russia despite starting only once in the Premier League in 2017-18.

‘I’m not one that sulks when injured,’ said Lallana. ‘I use it as time to learn. I studied all the England games — the Brazil (0-0), the Germany (0-0) game when we changed system, thinking, “When I’m back fit, where do I see myself playing in that system?”

‘Me and the boss have been speaking frequently. He’s been interested to know where I’ve been on my rehab. He recognises what I bring to the team.

‘I feel I’m physically and mentally as fresh as anyone going into the back end of the season and going into the World Cup.’