Get your act right

Alli receives warning from Southgate before being axed

LONDON: Gareth Southgate fired a training-ground warning to Dele Alli (pic) to up his game before axing him.

The Tottenham star was dumped for both of England’s friendlies against Holland and Italy and now faces a fight for his World Cup starting place.

Three Lions boss Southgate had been so concerned with Alli’s dip in form during England’s 10-day get-together he pulled the young Spurs forward to one side in training.

But Alli, 21, struggled to make an impact in the build-up to the friendly double-header and lost his place in the team.

Southgate said: “There is a huge choice and I have to make those choices.

“I have a problem because I have Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain and Jamie Vardy.”

The Spurs ace played just the final 22 minutes of the 1-0 win in Holland and was not involved in the Italy draw.

Southgate spent time reassuring Alli he is still a big part of his plans but has made it clear he has other options.

He added: “If we play 3-4-3 then Raheem can play No. 10, as he did against France last year.”

And Sterling made a big play for the No. 10 shirt against Italy at Wembley on Tuesday.

Although Alli was nursing a slight groin injury, it was not serious enough to prevent him being named as a sub.

He was sent down the touchline to warm up but was unused – and he has not started for England since the 1-0 win in Lithuania last October. — The Sun, London