Adam Lallana hailed as “the main man for England” by unlikely source of praise

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has received glowing praise from Man United alumni Ryan Giggs for his shining form for England this month.

Lallana laid on the second goal of the night as the Three Lions sealed a 2-0 win at home to Lithuania on Sunday, after standing out in the 1-0 midweek loss to Germany.

The 28-year-old has become a key cog for new England manager Gareth Southgate, mirroring his influence under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

And Giggs, speaking as part of ITV’s coverage of the victory at Wembley, believes Lallana is developing into England’s “main man,” rightly acknowledging his impact.

“He’s fast establishing himself as the main man for England,” Giggs enthused.

“Because he’s always on the move, he’s always available and he’s tricky on the ball.

“It’s hard to get the ball off him, he can move either way and he’s now adding goals to that as well. So he’s been really impressive.

“This system (4-2-3-1) suits him, Wednesday (3-4-2-1) it suited him as well, and he’s a player who’s hard to get hold of because he’s always on the move.”

Ian Wright, joining Giggs in the studio, added “the performances Lallana’s been putting in, he’s up there every single game for England’s Man of the Match.”

Lallana has scored three goals and assisted another in his last five games for England, and his intensity on and off the ball has given the Three Lions a much-needed edge.

That he has been able to translate this from club level is a testament to his quality and growing maturity, as he now stands as a leader for both Liverpool and England.

Klopp’s injection of impetus on his arrival in 2015 will have played a key role in this, though it can be argued Lallana always had the potential to do so.

Responding to the adversity he faced on moving to Liverpool in 2014 is a marker of his character, and he is now undeniably key.

It is something of a shame that this has come in the autumn of Lallana’s career, but his upbringing in the lower leagues with Southampton will have played its part.

But he has shown no sign of letting up so far, and recognition from the likes of Giggs, whose United roots could have clouded his judgement, is significant.

Lallana is now set to return to Merseyside, and will link up with Klopp’s squad at Melwood to prepare for Saturday’s Merseyside derby.