Liverpool man Adam Lallana will not be rushed back into England action as Gareth Southgate wants him fully fit

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Liverpool's Adam Lallana is unlikely to be risked for England's double-header against Brazil and Germany next month because Gareth Southgate wants to ensure he's at peak fitness for the World Cup in Russia.

Lallana hasn't played since tearing a thigh muscle in a pre-season game against Atletico Madrid and although he stepped up his rehab with light training in Qatar last week, his comeback is likely to be delayed until after the international break on November 18 when Liverpool face his former club Southampton.

Southgate regards the 29-year-old as a key figure for England next summer and is happy not to have him rushed back for the longer-term benefit.

Adam Lallana won't be risked by England for next month's friendlies with Brazil and Germany

Despite the criticism that came England's way following wins over Slovenia and Lithuania, Southgate is buoyed by the fact that three of his likely starters Danny Rose, Phil Jones and Lallana are to be added in for the finals besides important squad players.

The feeling among England players is that criticism for their 1-0 win in Lithuania last Sunday was over-done given the poor quality of the playing surface in Vilnius.

Lallana has watched on from the sidelines after injuring himself with Liverpool in pre-season

Lallana, who has scored three times in 33 international appearances, used social media last week to give a progress update on his injury, stating: “Great week stepping up the rehab even further – getting stronger each and every day” with a picture alongside Spanish legend Xavi in Qatar.

England face Germany at Wembley on November 10 and then meet Brazil four days later.