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England want me? I just don't believe it! Saint Lallana stunned by Hodgson's call

Published: 10:55 EDT, 10 September 2012 | Updated: 18:50 EDT, 10 September 2012

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Astonished: Adam Lallana

Adam Lallana may not have believed club manager Nigel Adkins when he informed him of his England call-up, but he has been on Roy Hodgson’s mind for some time.

As a manager at Fulham and West Bromwich Albion, Hodgson would focus on scouting youngsters who were causing a stir in the Football League and there has been a hum of excitement around Lallana for a while.

He is a product of Southampton’s prolific academy and their 2005 FA Youth Cup runners-up team which also featured Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Leon Best and Nathan Dyer.

But his progress was checked when he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat at the age of 18 and told the necessary surgery could end his career. Thankfully, he was able to fulfil his potential at the top level.

LALLANA FACTS

Age: 24

Born: St Albans

Height: 5ft 8in

Weight: 11st 4lb

England junior caps: 3 (U18-U21)

Premier League minutes: 259

‘I’ve seen him for a long time,’ said Hodgson, who was at St Mary’s this month to see Lallana excel against Manchester United in only his third top-flight appearance.

‘I followed him as a potential signing when I was at Fulham and West Brom. Southampton weren’t in the Premier League.

‘Now the whole world is aware of him because Southampton, though not getting the results, are making a reputation for themselves.

Dream come true: Lallana has been brought in as cover following injuries to John Terry, Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott, among others

FRANCIS BENALI

The former Southampton captain says:

The first time I set eyes on Adam, I knew he would be a top player. He has thrived in every division he has played in for Southampton and now he has hit the ground running in the Premier League.

People will say he is only 5ft 9ins, but you only have to look at Barcelona to realise if you’re good enough, you’re big enough.

I was part of the same year group as Matt Le Tissier in the Saints academy and I see a lot of Matt in Adam. That’s the biggest compliments I can pay him.

‘I thought it was a good opportunity to bring him in because Adam Johnson and Theo Walcott had left us. At the moment, my knowledge of him is from way up in the stand, watching him play.

‘It’s up to him to ensure next time I select him in front of someone else,’ added Hodgson.

Lallana is an elegant, attacking midfielder with vision and poise. He has been developed by Adkins to play in a wide role in a three-man strikeforce.

The 24-year-old has represented his country through the youth ranks but was not expecting the call from the Saints manager on Monday.

‘I didn’t think the gaffer was being serious,’ said Lallana. ‘I was at home, about to head into the training ground. I must have asked if he was having me on a dozen times. I’m totally shocked, to be honest. To be called into the senior squad is probably the proudest moment of my career so far.

‘It is every player’s dream. I’m realistic in accepting I might not be that heavily involved, but the fact I will be around such experienced players is something I am really excited about. It reflects really well on the club. It shows just how far Southampton have come.’