England boss Roy Hodgson has expressed his belief that Rickie Lambert has been given a boost ahead of the World Cup by his proposed move to Liverpool.

The 32-year-old is close to sealing a move to the Reds, with the £4m transfer from Southampton expected to go through in the next few days.

Hodgson told reporters: "Yes, I congratulate him. And I congratulate Liverpool signing a good player.

"When he plays you will see a fella running around with all the joy that his heart can muster because he is very happy to be with England and he's very happy that the move to Liverpool has gone through."

Lambert scored 13 goals in the Premier League last season for the Saints, which earned him a place in Hodgson's 23-man squad for the World Cup.