Southgate expects Alli to be fit in time for Liverpool clash on Saturday

LONDON: England manager Gareth Southgate expects Dele Alli to be fit for Tottenham’s clash against Liverpool on Saturday after the midfielder was forced to withdraw from the squad to face Switzerland.

Alli was injured in England’s Nations League defeat against Spain on Saturday and has pulled out of the friendly with the Swiss in Leicester yesterday.

But Southgate played down fears of a long absence for Alli, insisting the 22-year-old will recover from the slight knock in time to play for Tottenham in their showdown with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

“He has just had a minor strain and should be fine for his club at the weekend I would think, but tomorrow’s game will come too quickly,” Southgate told reporters on Monday.

Southgate, who led England to their best World Cup finish since 1990 in the summer, once again refused to confirm whether he will sign a new contract with the Football Association.

The former Middlesbrough is currently under contract until after Euro 2020 and the FA are willing to extend that deal.

But Southgate has been coy when asked if he is ready to commit his long-term future to his country.

“We have had initial discussions as I said, that has been it,” he said.

“For me I have to focus on the job in hand. I am contracted for the next 22 months and my focus is on tomorrow night and then building this team to be as competitive as it can be.

“This summer was an incredible experience for everybody, so they are the games that everyone wants to be involved in, beyond that I don’t want to get into details because that will be a distraction ahead of the game.” — AFP