Ambitious Gareth is still looking after No.1

we believe in ourselves and we believe in the talent and the manager we have got here.

“Anything is possible.” The Three Lions are currently fifth in FIFA’s official world rankings but their aim is to topple Belgium as the No.1 team on the planet.

And boss Southgate set his England squad that ultimate-high target from the first day he was officially appointed manager two years ago.

Alli added: “When Gareth first came in, he made it clear that was what he wants to achieve here.

“As players we want to achieve that as well.

“It’s important for him that when we have the meetings, when you go back to your clubs and when you come back here, he makes it very clear that’s our aim.

“And to make sure nobody forgets that.

“One of the main things that Gareth keeps reinforcing is that our aim is to become the best team in the world.

“In order to do that you can’t waste any opportunity to improve.”

It may have seemed fanciful that a target like world domination could be in reach following the disaster of Euro 2016.

And even earlier this year the Three Lions were ranked 16th in the world.

But after a stunning summer where they had the lead in a World Cup semi-final, only to let it slip, Southgate’s side have rocketed up the rankings.

Alli, for one, knew the boss was serious about making that a big objective as soon as he took over.

The Tottenham man added: “As soon as Gareth said the message and the way he delivered it, everyone bought into the message straight away.

“We genuinely believe we can achieve it.

“We had a good World Cup but didn’t win it.

“There’s a lot to improve on and we know it.

“But I don’t think we really want to put a time limit on it.

“I think it’s achievable. Personally, I believe we have some of the best players in the world.

“We have a very good manager. We are all willing to fight together to get to that goal.”

Achieving that ambition will involve more impressive results, like the recent win in Seville against Spain, and a slice of luck along the way – and there is nowhere better to start than Wembley this afternoon.