So, what exactly have England and the English FA got against Southampton Football Club?
During the Saint's original stint in the Premier League in the mid-90's, it was the naturally gifted Matt Le Tissier who was continually overlooked. Now it seems to be the likes of Ricky Lambert, Jack Cork and of course, Adam Lallana being given the International cold shoulder.
Nothing new it seems though, for club stalwart, and captain, Adam Lallana. Since his breakthrough season in 2008/09 campaign (clocking up an impressive 43 appearances), Lallana has gone from strength to strength for club.
Even relegation from the Championship couldn't halt Lallana's development. The youngster, showing such character, and a maturity beyond his years took the club by the scruff. Thriving from the extra responsibilty placed on his shoulders, the midfield ace bagged a very impressive 20 goals in all competitions. (The first player since Saints club legend Matt Le Tissier.)
Lallana had arrived.
In the seasons that followed, minor injuries began niggling him, yet he would still play a vital role in Southampton's next 2 campaigns, hitting double figures in both the assists and goals columns, contributions that went a long way in sealing back-to-back promotions to the Premier League.
Despite Southampton's cash injection, Lallana, now 25, has remained a vital member of Southampton Football Club. His fighting nature seems to run through the team in his presense. Whether it's goals, assists, short passes, crosses, or putting his foot in, Lallana has it all in his locker. The grit to match his technique.
So why then, has such a talent been left by the International wayside?
Solitary caps at U18, U19 and U21 levels is nothing short of a disgrace. It's bad enough when the eligible Germany-based Lewis Holtby went under the radar until he'd finally opted for his homeland, but for a player of Lallana's quality to be overlooked while players like Jermaine Jenas and Kieron Dyer collected caps like Merlin stickers, is quite simply, BS.
The average likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Jordan Henderson and the ageing Leon Osman have jumped ahead in the pecking order, but here comes the sickener. Jake Livermore, the rightful whipping boy of the Tottenham Hotspur fans has won a cap, and not too long ago either. Jake bloody Livermore!
It baffles the mind.
The only recognition Woy and the incompetent FA have shown Lallana was a last ditch call-up vs. Ukraine, following his Championship season. Woy it seemed was scratching around for players to patch up a depleted squad.
Lallana though, wasn't deemed good enough to even make the substitutes bench.
Depite that previous call-up, and a successful Premier League season with Southampton under his belt, a senior England cap still alludes the Saints' man.
I guess, even from the days of the magical Matt Le Tissier, the Southampton Syndrome lives on.
