Play both Alli and Lallana

THERE’S been plenty of focus on Dele Alli after his fine performance on Wednesday night. But we can spread the load, because now England have two excellent No 10s: Alli and Adam Lallana.

This season Lallana has stepped up a level and nowhere has that been seen more than in his England performances. He scored against Slovakia, Scotland and Spain in the autumn and played well in Germany, almost making it four in four when he hit the post. The formation really suited them. They are really tricky players with a great touch. And there is also Ross Barkley, who can come in if one is injured. What I like is their energy. Both play for managers who love to press the ball high up the pitch. And I think that’s how Gareth Southgate wants to play too.

They both like to receive the ball at an angle with the chance to run forward, rather than receive it with their back to goal. And they can run in behind defenders and move into goalscoring positions. The one criticism would be the finishing. Lallana was unlucky, hitting the post and, of course, Alli should have scored. Many expect Raheem Sterling to come in today, but the combinations between Lallana and Alli would encourage me to leave the system as it is. If they can thrive, England will do well.