Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp makes big Adam Lallana claim

Gareth Southgate named Lallana in his England squad for friendlies against Italy and the Netherlands despite the forward having struggled with injury this campaign.

Lallana only made his first start of the season for Liverpool in January having been sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Indeed, former Southampton winger Lallana has only started three first-team games for Liverpool this season.

But his club manager Klopp has jumped to his defence and made a big claim about the 29-year-old’s ability.

“Adam’s injury was a really big injury. It needed time,” Klopp said.

“I spoke to Gareth this week and told him it was a big challenge to have him around and not use him.

“But he needs more recovery time.

“I said he would be fit next week 100 per cent – he’s welcome to play him (for England).

“Adam has had probably the most difficult season of his career so far but he is still a top three or four player for England, 100 per cent.”

Liverpool sit fourth in the Premier League ahead of the weekend, just a point off Tottenham in third.

The Reds face Watford in one of four Premier League matches this weekend, with FA Cup also taking place.

Klopp’s men were one of two English teams to progress to the Champions League quarter finals, and were drawn against the other in the last eight with Manchester City the opponents.