Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has made the bold claim in stating that he believes Adam Lallana is England's best player.
Le Tissier, himself an attacking player of exceptional gifts during his playing days at Southampton, heaped lofty praise on the Liverpool play-maker as England prepare to play Scotland at Wembley on Friday night.
"I ask myself who England's best player is and I'd say Adam Lallana. He tends to be pushed out wide though and I'd like to see him in the number 10 role. He's happy to go both ways so playing him central gives him so many options."
Lallana has been in fine form for Liverpool this season, helping Jurgen Klopp's Reds ascend to the summit of the Premier League, but it is a strange claim from Le Tissier considering the former Saints star has only scored one international goal.
The 28-year-old clinched the winner in what turned out to be Sam Allardyce's only game in charge of England against Slovenia, but has not found the net for his country apart from that.
Lallana himself called for the FA to make a swift decision on appointing a permanent successor to Allardyce.
Best of luck, @JHenderson, @DanielSturridge & Adam Lallana who all start for @England v @ScottishFA tonight. pic.twitter.com/q3gCeH5PBY
"You need stability.What you don't have at England is the time that you get at club level," Lallana said.
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.�