Lallana urges FA to make swift decision on search for new England manager

The year started so memorably for England as they overcame world champions Germany 3-2 in their own backyard, only for things to unravel spectacularly at Euro 2016 as frustrating displays were followed by one of the country’s most embarrassing defeats ever.

The galling last-16 exit to Iceland led to the immediate exit of Roy Hodgson and, after much deliberation, Sam Allardyce was named successor – a reign that ended after just 67 days.

Lallana’s late strike secured a 1-0 win over Slovakia in his only match at the helm and the in-form Liverpool attacking midfielder returns to the fold preparing to play under a third England manager.

Despite having not spent much time with Gareth Southgate, the 28-year-old has been suitably impressed by the interim boss and hopes the managerial situation is resolved quickly for everybody’s sake.

“You need stability,” Lallana said ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland. “What you don’t have at England is the time that you get at club level.

“You can’t prepare for a campaign as you would for a league over the course of the season. It’s not possible so it’s a different challenge.

“I’m sure Gareth will want to have that and we are ready to fight for him in the matches. Hopefully he will do well enough to get the job on a permanent basis.”

Lallana repeated the desire to fight for Southgate over the next week – an attitude synonymous with English players, but at times lacking when the team come together as a group.

Two years ago Southgate was one of those that helped launch the ‘England DNA’ philosophy aimed at creating winning national teams, although that has yet to translate to the men’s senior team.

Asked if England are struggling for identity, Lallana said: “Possibly.

“It would be nice for Gareth and for us quite soon to know whether he’s going to get the job on a permanent basis, so you can build towards having a certain identity that your manager wants you to have.

“That’s what a manager is there for. I’m sure over the next few days the manager will be telling us what he wants for the Scotland and Spain games.

“Eventually it would be nice for him in the longer term to put a structure in place.

“For quite a few years now we’ve not done brilliantly at major tournaments so it’s up to us to maybe find an identity.

“Whether it’s the mental side of the game at tournaments that we’re struggling to cope with, we need to overcome that. By good, hard work I think we can do that.”

Aaron Cresswell’s maiden England call-up has been the “stuff that dreams are made of” following an injury-disrupted start to the season.

So impressive for West Ham since joining from Ipswich in July 2014, the 26-year-old has had to bide his time at international level due to the strength in depth of options at left-back.

Cresswell had been overlooked for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland and friendly with Spain, but an injury to Danny Drinkwater led to his call-up on Monday.

It continues the former Tranmere defender’s rise and comes just three weeks after returning from a knee injury.

“It is everything,” Cresswell said. “When you first start playing football, of course everyone wants to represent their country.

“For me to do that will be a proud moment for me and my family.

“It was unfortunate to get the injury in pre-season. I think I’d only missed one game for West Ham in two years.”