Southgate warns Dele he’s not sure of World Cup starting place
GARETH SOUTHGATE has warned Dele Alli his World Cup starting place is in jeopardy.
Southgate has had two heart-to-heart conversations with Alli amid concerns over recent performances, particularly after he struggled when coming on as a sub in Holland last week.
It leaves Alli – who
looked a shoo-in for a Three Lions starting berth – sweating on his place because Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling now look favourites to start.
Southgate also revealed Alli, 21, has been playing through the pain barrier because of a groin injury.
That led to the midfielder being left on the bench for England’s final warm-up friendly against Italy.
The England boss said: “I have Rashford, Lingard, Sterling, Kane, Vardy, and Oxlade-Chamberlain – so there are huge choices I have to make.
“I don’t foresee a scenario where they don’t come to Russia and Dele is well in the frame for that.
“There’s no reason he can’t come to Russia and have a huge impact on the tournament – we’ve seen the ability he has.
“The ability and talent is there and I am looking forward to seeing him over the next few weeks.”