Lallana shows he’s keen
WORLD CUP standby Adam Lallana has joined up with England early in case he gets the call for Russia.
The Liverpool midfielder was left out of boss Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad after an injury-hit campaign.
But as reserve, he is under orders to be ready for a late call into the squad.
And the 30-year-old is so keen to prove his fitness that he will report for England duty tomorrow, despite the rest of the Anfield squad being given the week off following their Champions League Final heartache.
Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will link up with the squad on Saturday but will not be involved in the game against Nigeria.
Lallana has checked into St George’s Park three days early in a desperate bid to get 100 per cent fit.
England take on Costa Rica at Elland Road next Thursday before a behind-closed-doors game rounds off their pre-World Cup preparations.
Southgate is well aware that history suggests at least one player will drop out of the squad and long-time favourite Lallana is thought to be top of his standby list.
He looked short of match sharpness after replacing Mo Salah in the first half in Kiev on Saturday night.
And that’s why he has opted for added training.
Southgate welcomed Chelsea and Manchester United players yesterday after they were granted additional leave following the FA Cup Final.
Jesse Lingard has been cleared to train after an ankle problem, but Leicester defender Harry Maguire will have his fitness monitored after a tough season.