Former Liverpool star joins England Under-21 coaching staff… despite STILL PLAYING in Premier League
ADAM LALLANA has taken on a coaching role within Lee Carsley’s England Under-21s set up.
The Brighton midfielder will balance his new job with playing in the Premier League for the Seagulls.
Lallana, 35, is interested in coaching and assisted interim manager Andrew Crofts following Graham Potter‘s Brighton departure last season.
He is still a regular for Roberto De Zerbi, having featured in Brighton’s last three Premier League matches.
But the Italian has given his blessing for Lallana to take on a new role with England‘s Under-21s.
The former Liverpool star is at St George’s Park this week assisting Carsley.
According to The Times, he will be at England Under-21s’ next three camps.
Carsley guided England to European Championship success over the summer.
He lost Joleon Lescott from his coaching team, however, and has moved to replace him with Lallana – who won 34 England caps.
The Young Lions take on Luxembourg on Monday before hosting Serbia next month.
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Levi Colwill recently spoke glowingly of Lallana’s day-to-day influence.
The Chelsea star and former Brighton loanee said: “At first I did not really understand why he was always on me.
“But then once it clicked in my head, I realised that he was only trying to help me. I was happy and lucky to play alongside him and he definitely helped me.
“Every day in training [he was pushing me], giving me compliments, if I needed them. If I was struggling a bit, he asked me if I was alright.
“If I am doing well, he would push me to make sure I was still doing well. There were times when I was having an off day or not really feeling like myself and he was there, no matter what, pushing me.
“It was about communication. He was always putting his arm around me, the same as Lewis Dunk.
“At Chelsea, I have Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva. They are leaders in the team for a reason. That is their job, to help the young ones, and I have had that. I have had the best.
“It has definitely made me wake up a bit and realise the opportunity I have got and that I cannot waste it.”