Saints captain Adam Lallana says there are positives for England to take from their World Cup campaign, despite suffering an early exit from the competition.

Roy Hodgson’s men cannot qualify for the knockout stages, following defeats to Italy and Uruguay, and they will conclude their group fixtures this evening, with a clash against Costa Rica, in Belo Horizonte.

However, despite their impending departure from Brazil, Lallana insists there are encouraging signs for the future.

"Luke Shaw is 18, Raheem Sterling has been a massive positive for us and the likes of Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck – they are still young as well and have a couple of tournaments under their belts now," said Lallana, to the FA.

“There are good things to take away from the tournament, hopefully the squad can grow and get more success in the future."

Lallana was used as a late substitute in England’s opening two matches, but will start tonight’s game.

He is one of nine changes Hodgson will make, as the manager fields a young side that will also include Saints left-back Shaw.

"We’ll go out there and show the boss what we can do and stay in his thoughts for future selections," said Lallana.

"It will be good for myself, Ross (Barkley), (Jack) Wilshere, Studge [Daniel Sturridge], Luke Shaw, Phil Jones to all get a game, impress and show them what we can do.

"We’re taking this game as seriously as we’ve taken the other games – we don’t want to go home with no points on the board.

"We want to finish the tournament strongly, not just for ourselves but for the fans who have travelled out here."

The 26-year-old midfielder added: "You are playing for your country and it’s a very proud thing to do," he said.

"I’m sure I’ll be speaking for everyone who is playing, but we’ll be looking to put the two defeats behind us.

"We’re in it together, we’ve got to be professional, and we look to finish strong and on a positive note.

"It’s another game and a chance to finish the tournament on a high, then when we get home assess everything and take what we can out of the competition."