Gareth Southgate: New England boss reveals how Adam Lallana is key to Three Lions masterplan
Liverpool star's 'intelligence can help trigger' the Three Lions' pressing tactic into action
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GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed Adam Lallana is key to his England masterplan.
The former interim and Three Lions Under-21 boss was finally confirmed as the permanent senior manager on Wednesday.
After signing a four-year deal with the FA, he discussed his vision of how he wants his side to play while answering questions from supporters.
And the 28-year-old Liverpool star will be one of the main men tasked with turning his vision into reality.
Southgate said: “We have to create a winning team first and foremost. But anybody that has seen our U21s and junior teams play knows we want to dominate possession when possible.
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“To become a world class team that’s what we have to do against the very best.
“I also think that we have players that are very good at pressing and want to press. I think that’s the style of play our supporters will enjoy watching.”
Southgate, whose first match in official charge will be against Lithuania in March, added: “We have a lot of players like Adam Lallana who at their clubs press extremely well.
“It’s a style of play that suits the young squad we have got really well.
“It’s definitely something we aim to do as a team and I think when you have players with Adam’s intelligence in order to carry out that tactic, then that triggers off the pressing for the rest of the team.”
Southgate initially took charge of England on a four-match temporary basis two months after Sam Allardyce’s sacking.
And the Reds winger Lallana notched twice under his stewardship, netting in the victory over Scotland and the draw with Spain.