Brighton midfielder Adam Lallana joins England U21 set-up as coach | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Adam Lallana has joined the England under-21 set-up to act as a coach and mentor to the youngsters.

The 35-year-old was at St George’s Park on Tuesday, and The Times reports that he will remain with Lee Carsley’s squad for the next three camps.

The European champions are short on coaching options following the departure of Joleon Lescott, who left Carsley’s staff last month.

The England U21 boss has moved swiftly to replace the former Manchester City defender by approaching Lallana, who received greenlight from Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to take up the role.

Lallana’s appointment comes after glowing recommendations from Levi Colwill, who cited the former Liverpool man as a huge part of development during a loan spell at the Amex Stadium last season.

The highly-rated Chelsea defender has made strides at Stamford Bridge this season, having impressed last term as Brighton qualified for Europe and is considered a pivotal part of the Blues’ long-term plans.

Colwill, who recently earned a call-up to the England senior squad, described Lallana as a ‘huge influence’ on his career.

“I am someone who is a chilled person, and sometimes I need someone to give me a bit of a push,” Colwill 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.

“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.”

Lallana will be joining an England U21 squad that has seen plenty of changes, although they retained captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James Trafford, Harvey Elliott, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke.

Carsley’s side will face Luxembourg next Monday before hosting Serbia at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on October 12.