The reason why Adam Lallana has been training with England Under-21s

Lallana is 35

Lallana, 35, last played for the national team back in May 2018 and has 34 caps to his name ever since he made his debut five years earlier.

It's highly unlikely that the Brighton midfielder will feature in a senior squad again but his appearance with England's junior side at St George's Park has left people scratching their heads.

However there is a logical reason behind the former Southampton and Liverpool man's decision to be with Lee Carlsey's squad.

The midfielder is starting his coaching badges and is working in a player-coach role with Brighton and has been working alongside Carsley since September.

Speaking about his new role, Lallana said: "It was an amazing insight for me into what may lie in the future, I was delighted with the opportunity and thankful to Brighton and Roberto [De Zerbi] for not just being happy for me to go, but excited that I got the opportunity.

"I was involved in training and took a few little bits, just being that bridge between the coaches and the players. I am still playing in the Premier League so I will still experience the same things as those boys – frustrations, losing and winning as a player.

"When you're young you want everything now, you can be inpatient, so I can help in those areas, while also getting an opportunity to see the blueprint of being a successful coach."

His contract at Brighton expires at the end of the season.

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