Southampton captain Adam Lallana has claimed that he would consider a starting berth in the World Cup as a "bonus".
The Saints skipper has been tipped to start against Italy in the Three Lions' opening game on Saturday, but Lallana recalls when he was playing League One football only three years ago, and stated that he is just happy to be part of the 23-man squad.
He told Sky Sports News: "I want to be here and play, keep working hard in training and doing all I can to force myself in to the first XI. I know what my job is.
"The better I play the more chance I have to stay in the team or if not then to make a contribution from the bench. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I am just going to keep focusing on training hard and doing as much as I can to impress the manager.
"Three years ago I was playing in League One so just to be here at a World Cup is a massive achievement and anything else is a bonus."
The 26-year-old is reportedly attracting the interest of Liverpool.
Paul Gorst
