Nigel Adkins delighted by Adam Lallana's England call-up

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has praised "outstanding" captain Adam Lallana following the midfielder's call-up into the England squad.

The 24-year-old was included in Roy Hodgson's Three Lions squad for their 2014 World Cup qualifiers earlier this week after Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott were forced to drop out through illness.

"He is at a good age now of 24 and that is why he has got the captain's armband here at Southampton," said Adkins.

"He has got that maturity about him and he has played his games. His standard in training is outstanding every day."

Meanwhile, the Saints are currently preparing to face Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.