Liverpool's Adam Lallana Confident 'Physical & Mental' Freshness Will Secure His FIFA World Cup Spot

Adam Lallana believes his physical and mental freshness come the back end of the season will prove instrumental in securing his place in England's World Cup squad this summer. 

The Liverpool midfielder has been plagued by injury this season after suffering a thigh strain during the Reds' pre-season, limiting the 29-year-old to just three starting appearances this term for his club - ensuring his substitute appearance for the Three Lions on Tuesday was his first in nine months.  

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Despite being on the periphery for both club and country this season, Lallana revealed he has used his time on the sidelines during international breaks to study where his place would be in Gareth Southgate's system to boost his chances of a place in the World Cup squad.

The work he has done off field has left Lallana feeling confident over his chances of being in Russia in the summer as he said, via the Daily Mail: "I'm not one that sulks when injured. For me I use it as time to learn, to pick up on things. 

"I studied all the England games. I watched them closely, 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 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 St George's Park a couple of times. 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."

With seven Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final clash with Manchester City on the horizon, Lallana feels as though he has timed his return to perfection as he seeks to rediscover his 'rhythm'.

He added: "I've had a long layoff but I'm back for the business end of the season," he continued. "I'm fully fit now. It's just about getting that rhythm. It's about playing competitive football.

"I'm confident enough in my ability and what I bring to the squad. I'm smart enough not to be complacent. At any level I'm not built with complacency."

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