Liverpool playmaker Adam Lallana has insisted that his former Southampton teammate Nathaniel Clyne is fully deserving of his place in the England squad.

Full-back Clyne was picked for the first time by manager Roy Hodgson for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia and he has been tipped to start in at least one of those encounters.

Speaking about the 23-year-old's inclusion, Lallana told reporters: "I played with him for a couple of years at Southampton and he has improved a lot over those two years.

"He thoroughly deserves his call-up. He has started this season well and has scored a couple of good goals. I'm really excited and happy for him that he is here and hopefully he can do well if he is given the chance."

Clyne has made eight appearances for England at Under-21 level.