ENGLAND ace Adam Lallana celebrates after marrying his sweetheart — so he could free himself up for the World Cup in Brazil.
The star, 25, was due to wed Emily Jubb on June 14 — the day the Three Lions kick off.
The 25-year-old star arranged the nuptials BEFORE he was in contention for next summer’s festival of international football.
But after impressing in friendlies Southampton skipper Lallana is hotly tipped for Roy Hodgson’s squad.
So the couple hastily ditched plans for a lavish event and instead tied the knot in an intimate £500 Christmas Eve ceremony attended by friends and family.
It means Lallana is now free to board the Three Lions’ plane to Rio ahead of their opening match against Italy.
A pal said: “Emily totally understands. She knows it’s a fantastic opportunity to play in a World Cup. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
“Adam wanted to get married but has a very hectic schedule during the season and didn’t have time between the season ending and the call-up for Brazil.
“He’d booked the wedding not even thinking about Brazil — he never expected to be in contention.”
Thrilled Lallana smiled and kissed his bride after the secret half-hour service at Poole Register Office in Dorset.
Earlier he had downed pints in a nearby pub with three pals. A barman said: “He looked like he needed a bit of Dutch courage. But he only had a couple of drinks.”
The ace was later seen hand-in-hand with Emily — mum to his one-year-old son Arthur — descending the steps of the Grade Two-listed former magistrates court.
And Emily, who dazzled in a cream dress, looked ecstatic as she gazed lovingly at the footballer she had dated for seven years.
It is believed the pair — thought to have held their reception at a local restaurant — will share a bigger celebration with Lallana’s footie pals some time next year.