DELE CAN STILL STAR IN RUSSIA
DELE ALLI is clear favourite to have the
No.10 role for England in Russia at next summer’s World Cup.
But Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has made it clear the Spurs star, 21 (below) is not the only option for the playmaker position.
Also in the frame are Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 21, who is currently on loan at Crystal Palace, and Liverpool’s Adam Lallana, 29.
Southgate is also delighted at the progress being made by another Spurs starlet with creative midfield qualities – Harry Winks, 21.
It all adds up to the increasing feel-good factor around the England camp as young players start to fulfil their potential.
Loftus-Cheek impressed against Germany in the
No.10 position, having been used in a number of roles in his young career.
And that versatility is important, too. Southgate said: “As a number eight or a number ten is where he is best at the moment.
“You see Ruben receiving the ball behind the opposition midfield, driving towards goal and being able to slide passes into people and, of course, he can receive the ball under pressure.
“That’s a great attribute to have. I think he can affect big matches.”
Only late missed chances by Jesse Lingard and Dominic Solanke prevented England from gaining victories against Germany and Brazil in the last international break. Instead, both of the Three Lions’ games at Wembley finished 0-0.
PAUL HETHERINGTON MAN UNITED
★ are set to take up a 12-month contract option on goalkeeper 24, who is Sam Johnstone,
Villa. on loan at Aston him and Villa want to keep eyeing the other clubs are don’t situation but United want to lose Johnstone for nothing in the summer.
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