Adam Lallana insists that he and his Southampton team-mates were inspired after seeing Rickie Lambert called up to the England squad.
Lallana is one of four Southampton players in Roy Hodgson’s squad for Wednesday’s friendly with Denmark, with Lambert, Luke Shaw and Jay Rodriguez also included.
Lambert was the first Saints star to get noticed after guiding the club from League One to the Premier League in two seasons. The striker netted on his England debut and Lallana insists it gave everybody in the squad the motivation they needed.
“Seeing Rickie being involved gave everyone an extra 10 per cent of belief,” he said.
“We have had a good season at Southampton, been performing well on a consistent basis and we have all been helping each other.
“It is brilliant, it proves how far the club has come and to have four lads representing the country this week is fantastic.”
Lallana also insists that Shaw deserves his call-up after impressing this season.
The 18-year-old will be hoping to feature against Denmark, but he will have to fight off competition from Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines.
Wednesday’s game will give Shaw the chance to prove his worth ahead of this summer’s World Cup and Lallana admits he is not surprised by his inclusion.
He said: “He has been outstanding for us all season. He looks like a seasoned pro and it was no surprise to see he was included in the squad.
“There are two outstanding players ahead of him (Cole and Baines) but he will keep his feet on the ground.”
England are currently 2.44 to win to nil against Denmark on Wednesday evening.
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