Southampton captain Adam Lallana: I was shocked by England call-up

Adam Lallana admits he thought Nigel Adkins was joking when the Southampton manager told the midfielder about his England call-up.

The 24-year-old was drafted into Roy Hodgson’s squad alongside Jake Livermore and Raheem Sterling for England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine following the withdrawals of Ashley Cole, John Terry and Theo Walcott.

“I didn’t think the gaffer was being serious when he called to tell me this morning,” Lallana told Southampton’s website.

“I was at home about to head into the training ground when he called – I must have asked if he was having me on a dozen times!

“I’m totally shocked to be honest.”

The Southampton captain, who has made one appearance for England’s Under-21 side, is relishing the chance to interact and learn from established internationals in the Three Lions squad.

“It’s such a proud accomplishment to be called up to play for your country at any level, but to be called into the senior side is probably the proudest moment of my career so far,” he said.

“It is every player’s dream to represent your country at the top level.

“I’m realistic in accepting I might not be that heavily involved, but the fact that I will be around such experienced international players is something I am really excited about.”

Lallana has scored 47 goals in 196 appearances for the Saints since making his debut aged 16 against Yeovil Town.