Rickie Lambert is desperate to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad, but says he does not want to be picked purely on the basis of his penalty-taking ability.

The striker has netted a perfect 34 out of 34 efforts from the spot during his Saints career, and could potentially be an asset to Roy Hodgson in that situation this summer.

But Lambert does not want to be picked simply as a penalty specialist. If he makes it to Brazil, he wants it to be because the England manager believes his all-round game is good enough.

“I wouldn’t like to be picked on my penalty record, if I’m being honest,” he said.

“I don’t think I will be. I think I’ll be judged on everything else and I think that’s the way it should be – whether that’s a yes or a no.”

Lambert and the rest of Saints’ England contenders have been closely watched by Hodgson and his assistant, Ray Lewington, over the course of the past few months.

The 32-year-old, who has 11 Premier League goals this season and ten assists, knows that he is being closely monitored.

“I think we’ve had either Ray or Roy watching our games for the last ten games I think, so we know we are getting watched and that’s brilliant for them to be watching Southampton,” said Lambert.

“I try not to focus on it, if I’m being honest. I try to play my own game. I think that’s the best way to go about it.

“You can’t think too much about it, because I think it might affect your game.

“You’ve just got to get on with it, try and do well for Southampton, and hopefully Roy or Ray are impressed, that’s it really.”