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Jermain Defoe believes that if England midfielder Adam Lallana were fully fit, he would be the first name on the plane to Russia.

The 29-year-old has struggled to return to full fitness from a hamstring injury that saw him miss out on playing for both club and country this season until November.

Even then, the Liverpool midfielder made just a brief substitute appearance against Chelsea at Anfield before Jurgen Klopp decided not to risk exacerbating the injury even further, which led to him being omitted for the squad for a further four games. NaijaBet.com

His runout against Italy on Tuesday at Wembley is the first international appearance he has made since last summer’s fixture with France, and Defoe believes that if it weren’t for his ongoing injury struggles, Lallana would be first on the plane and team sheet.

“If it wasn’t for the injury, Adam Lallana would be one of the first names on the team sheet, a top player, brings goals and assists,” Defoe said on BBC Radio 5 Live. NaijaBet.com

“All he needs now is a run of games. If he gets that, someone like that should be on the plane.”

Lallana for England

Lallana, who has earned 34 caps with the Three Lions, played a pivotal role in his country’s qualification for the World Cup when he netted two goals against Scotland and Slovakia in the qualifying rounds.

His third goal came against Spain in last year’s friendly, and he has also notched three assists for his national side.

England will be needing his creativity and playmaking ability in Russia, adding cover and competition to Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as the man pulling the strings in midfield.