Adam Lallana admits it’s ‘surreal’ playing alongside Jermain Defoe, having initially watched the Premier League great during a loan spell at AFC Bournemouth.
Just 18 at the time, Defoe etched his name into the history books by scoring in ten consecutive games during his time at Dean Court, equalling a then post-war record.
And England team-mate Lallana recalls watching from the stands as the striker took the south coast by storm.
“My dad used to take me to watch Bournemouth play when he famously scored for 10 games in a row, so to be playing with him for England is quite surreal at times.
“But it's the Jermain Defoe of old that you always know, and you bet your bottom dollar he's going to score a goal and he did to get us on the way.”
He continued: “He deserves it because he's been playing some of the best football of his career this season, scoring goals.
“I think he's here on merit and he's proved what he's about, what he can bring and what an option he is for Russia in a year's time.
“It still feels like you're playing with a 25-year-old Jermain Defoe.”
