So where do the four Saints players in the England senior squad stand in terms of making Roy Hodgson's squad for Brazil.

Adam Leitch looks at the quartet's chances after last night's 1-0 friendly win over Denmark.

Adam Lallana.

In half an hour he proved just why he is pushing not only for an England squad place but a spot in the starting XI in Brazil.

Lallana was quite superb once again, including an assist for the goal, and is so unique a player that he surely only needs to stay fit and he is going to the World Cup.

His quick feet and even faster mind are proving as devastating for England as they have done for Saints.

Lallana is exciting the English footballing public and from nowhere just a year ago now looks like a potential star in Brazil.

Verdict: One foot on the plane .

Rickie Lambert.

Didn’t get any game time at Wembley last night but still in a strong position.

Roy Hodgson didn’t need to look at Lambert again as he knows exactly what he is capable of.

England will surely take a target man type striker to Brazil and with Andy Carroll omitted from this squad it looks like Lambert is in the driving seat.

It will certainly take a remarkable turn of fortunes for Carroll to get in ahead of Lambert from here.

Verdict: Not 100 per cent certain but almost there.

 

Jay Rodriguez.

You felt that Rodriguez really had to get on and press his case at Wembley if he was to have a realistic chance of making the final squad.

As it was he was left as an unused sub and is looking unlikely to get there now.

In fairness to Rodriguez he did superbly to battle his way back into the squad again, and his inclusion is surely a nod from Roy Hodgson that he is in his long term plans.

However, in a position where there is fierce competition, he looks like missing out on Brazil.

Verdict: Probably not quite going to make it this time.

 

Luke Shaw.

He is probably the most intriguing of the Saints quartet by virtue of the fact his inclusion or not is the hardest to call.

It is quite clear that it will be between him and Ashley Cole to be the back up to Leighton Baines, but not even Roy Hodgson sounds like he knows which way he is going.

Cole has all experience you could wish for and in the first half proved he can still play at this level despite a lack of club games.

Shaw made his debut and showed in the second half he has the virtues of youth and is match sharp due to regular Premier League action for Saints.

Tough to call.

Verdict: It’s him or Cole – take your pick