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Liverpool news: Why Adam Lallana remains confident of England World Cup call-up
ADAM LALLANA's relationship with England boss Gareth Southgate gives him confidence of earning a World Cup spot.
Can Adam Lallana make Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad?
The creative midfielder has endured a frustrating campaign for Liverpool this season having missed the first three months due to injury before a recurrence of his problem in January led to another lay-off.
Lallana has only started once for the Reds since January 3 and played just 13 times overall. He wasn’t even in the match-day squad for Liverpool's 5-0 win over Watford before the international break.
That represents a huge contrast to last season, where the 2016 England Player of the Year scored eight goals and created seven in 35 appearances as one of Jurgen Klopp’s key men.
Yet despite his injury-stricken season, the 29-year-old remains confident of winning a place in Southgate’s 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia.
Adam Lallana in action as England drew 1-1 with Italy after a contentious VAR call
Adam Lallana came off the bench for the final 30 minutes of England's draw with Italy
I suppose that’s where the confidence comes from. He recognises what I bring to the team.
Lallana came on for the final half-an-hour of the Three Lions’ 1-1 friendly draw with Italy on Tuesday night as he targets a third successive major tournament appearance and believes Southgate has faith in his abilities.
He said: “I’m not one that sulks when he’s injured. I use it as time to learn, to pick up on things.
“So I studied all the England games, every one they played, I watched them closely.
“The Brazil, the Germany game when we changed the system, thinking when I’m back fit where do I see myself playing in that system.
“Me and the boss [Southgate] have got a great relationship. We’ve been speaking frequently throughout the season.
“He’s been interested to know where I’ve been on my rehab. I’ve been down to [England’s training ground] St George’s Park a couple of times.
“I suppose that’s where the confidence comes from. He recognises what I bring to the team."
England face Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G in June.
The deadline for their provisional 30-man squad is May 14, with the final contingent cut to 23.