Lallana and Sturridge Shine in England Romp

The club vs. country debate might never be settled among football fans the world over, but most of us fall into the “I’m glad players from my team are getting called up for international duty and I hope they succeed (but please don’t get injured)” camp. Well, Liverpool stars Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana managed to do just that last night, each recording a headed goal as England ran out easy 3-0 winners over rivals Scotland last night.

Sturridge opened the scoring on the night in the 24th minute, when he latched onto a Kyle Walker cross from the right flank and sent the glancing header past the keeper.

The Three Lions went into the half with the one goal advantage, but Lallana doubled the lead shortly after break when he found himself completely unmarked in the middle of the box. Danny Rose picked out Lallana with a cross from the left side of the box, and the Liverpool man coolly nodded the header down into the far corner, out of the keeper’s reach.

Lallana, generally known more for his footwork than his aerial ability, was excited about the chance to use his head.

“I don’t get many headers!” the Liverpool man said after the match. “It was more about the cross – there was so much pace on it. I just had to get good direction and I found the bottom corner.”

Gary Cahill added a third goal and final goal, and England now sit atop the qualifying group with 10 points after 4 games played, 2 points clear of Slovenia. Scotland, meanwhile, are now second from the bottom with 4 points in as many games.

Jordan Henderson and Lallana both started and played all 90 minutes, whereas Sturridge was replaced by Jamie Vardy after 74 minutes. Nathaniel Clyne was an unused substitute.