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Dele Alli and Adam Lallana 'very exciting' option for England says Gareth Southgate

England team group (top row from left to right) Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, Michael Keane, Chris Smalling, Jake Livermore and Eric Dier. (Bottom row from left t
Image: Adam Lallana and Dele Alli are two bright prospects for Gareth Southgate to look forward to coaching

Gareth Southgate believes Dele Alli and Adam Lallana's energy and attacking threat offers England a "very exciting" option for the future.

Lukas Podolski's stunning strike on his 130th and final Germany appearance secured the hosts a 1-0 win on Wednesday night, but the world champions know they were fortunate to emerge unscathed against the Three Lions.

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An all too familiar lack of cutting edge cost England in Dortmund, although Southgate was proud of his side's display in a bold, attack-minded side built upon a three-man backline.

Jamie Vardy epitomised the visitors' aggressive intent, but it was Alli and Lallana's pressing and movement that really caught the eye in Germany.

"I think Dele and Adam - and Jesse (Lingard) as well - are fantastic at finding space between that line, between the midfield and defence of the opposition," Southgate sai after his first game in permanent charge.

"But they are also brilliant at sensing the right moments to press and win the ball.

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England manager Gareth Southgate says he is likely to use the 3-4-2-1 formation England adopted in their 1-0 defeat to Germany in future matches.

"I think in the past maybe creative players haven't always had the work ethic those two have. You know, they cover a phenomenal amount of distance and that allows you to get pressure on the opposition.

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Paul Walsh's view on England's performance in Dortmund

"It is not as if we are carrying those creative players. They put in as much as work as everybody else. I think it is very exciting for what we can do moving forwards."

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