Thursday 1 September 2016 09:20, UK
Adam Lallana says he has been impressed with Sam Allardyce and is not concerned about the new England manager's reputation as a long-ball tactician.
Allardyce was appointed as Roy Hodgson's successor after a poor showing at Euro 2016 ended with a last-16 defeat to Iceland - a loss Lallana says still hurts England.
The 61-year-old has been a mainstay of the Premier League for the last 15 years with the likes of Bolton, West Ham and Sunderland but has faced criticism for the style of football his teams play. Lallana, though, believes Allardyce's adaptability will improve the national side.
"He spoke to us about wanting to win, which is quite simple really," the Liverpool midfielder said.
"We haven't gone into too much detail about specific styles. I don't think he has a specific style. He has mentioned how, depending where we are playing and who we are playing, that the style may change.
"It sounds like a sensible plan for me. He seems adaptable which is a good quality to have when you're a manager. Things have been quite straightforward for me and I have been very impressed with what I've seen.
"Since I've played for England I wouldn't say we have had a specific style. Things change in games and the manager has made it clear to us that he expects us to take responsibility, especially when we are out on the field.
"We have not had too many meetings and he's not wanted to throw loads of information at us straight away. Training has been very enjoyable and the lads are buzzing. He has been very relaxed towards us."
Allardyce's first game in charge comes in Sunday's World Cup qualifier in Slovakia, who held England to a goalless draw at Euro 2016, but Lallana says the squad have to move on from the disappointing summer.
"We have a new manager, a lot of new staff and a few new players and it is important we start fresh and go on a new journey. We had a good qualifying campaign last time out so we are looking for more of the same.
"I think what happened in the summer is irrelevant. We definitely need to win on Sunday. We are England and, as much as people put pressure on us to win games, we put the most pressure on ourselves to win.
"We know we are a very talented group of lads. We know it is important to work hard this week, do as much good training as possible because it is a new manager who will have new ideas and it may be a different team selections and a different way he wants to play.
"It is our job to do the job, not just at the weekend but throughout the whole campaign."
