Dele Alli will form part of England’s future midfield ahead of the European Championships in the summer, according to former footballer Craig Burley.
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Burley was tasked with selecting the top five young English stars that could make up Gareth Southgate’s side in years to come for ESPN FC.
While the likes of James Maddison and Mason Mount were picked ahead of the Spurs 23-year-old, Burley nevertheless felt that Alli’s quality would see him be part of the England setup as opposed to potential rivals such as Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish or Tottenham teammate Harry Winks, who didn’t make the cut.
Former Chelsea midfielder Burley suggested that despite Alli being someone who divides opinion, his ability to create from midfield will see him become part of Southgate’s plans in the coming months.
He said: “We know he’ll get goals from midfield when he’s on his game. We know he’s a sort of a Marmite character – you love him or you hate him.
“But I think when Southgate picks the team, barring a horrendous second half of the season, he’ll be there or thereabouts, because he can do something, get you a goal from midfield out of nothing without taking part in the game a great deal.”
Alli’s international prospects may be in some doubt judging by the fact he has not appeared for the Three Lions since the summer’s Nations League campaign.
However, his form for Spurs this season has been impressive in spells, to the point which Southgate has talked up a possible return to the England fold for the midfielder.
That he features in Burley’s list is no huge surprise, with Alli in decent scoring form since getting off the mark in October.
The fact that he has responded on the pitch to his international omission is also a positive sign, while it remains to be seen if working under Jose Mourinho at Spurs could yet improve Alli’s ability and his chances of nailing down a regular place in the national setup once again.
Given he has been shown faith by Southgate in the past, it seems plausible that Alli could work his way into the manager’s plans once again, so the months ahead could be pivotal in earning a place at the Euros and beyond.
Spurs fans, do you think Alli deserves an England recall for the Euros? Share your thoughts below!
