DELE ALLI HAS called on England to be ruthless at the World Cup as they prepare for their Group G opener against Tunisia this evening.
The Three Lions flopped in Brazil four years ago, where they were eliminated in the group stages, before being knocked out in a dismal last-16 defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.
However, there is a cautious optimism about the squad manager Gareth Southgate has moulded for Russia with a young team desperate to showcase their talent on the global stage.
Advertisement
And Tottenham midfielder Alli, a key component of Southgate’s team, called on England to show a killer instinct.
“We know we have to be ruthless. It’s international football. You are not going to get too many chances, so when they do come you have to be ruthless and put it in the back of the net,” Alli told The Evening Standard.
“We are going to have to be patient. Tunisia defend very well, so if we do have a lot of possession we have to make sure we are not forcing it. We have to stick together as a team.”
England have not won a knockout game at the World Cup since 2006, a narrow round-of-16 win against Ecuador, but are tipped to progress out of Group G where they are expected to tussle with Belgium for top spot.
While expectations for England’s campaign are perhaps lower than in previous tournaments, Alli insists the squad believes they have the capability to go all the way.
“I don’t think we can put a limit on what is possible for this tournament. We don’t want to say we can only get to the quarters or semi-finals,” the 22-year-old added.
“We believe we can go all the way. We have to. There is no point coming here and believing anything else.”
England follow up their opener with a clash against tournament minnows Panama on Sunday, before finishing their group fixtures against Belgium.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
20 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Bullish Dele Alli believes England 'can go all the way'
DELE ALLI HAS called on England to be ruthless at the World Cup as they prepare for their Group G opener against Tunisia this evening.
The Three Lions flopped in Brazil four years ago, where they were eliminated in the group stages, before being knocked out in a dismal last-16 defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.
However, there is a cautious optimism about the squad manager Gareth Southgate has moulded for Russia with a young team desperate to showcase their talent on the global stage.
And Tottenham midfielder Alli, a key component of Southgate’s team, called on England to show a killer instinct.
“We know we have to be ruthless. It’s international football. You are not going to get too many chances, so when they do come you have to be ruthless and put it in the back of the net,” Alli told The Evening Standard.
“We are going to have to be patient. Tunisia defend very well, so if we do have a lot of possession we have to make sure we are not forcing it. We have to stick together as a team.”
England have not won a knockout game at the World Cup since 2006, a narrow round-of-16 win against Ecuador, but are tipped to progress out of Group G where they are expected to tussle with Belgium for top spot.
While expectations for England’s campaign are perhaps lower than in previous tournaments, Alli insists the squad believes they have the capability to go all the way.
“I don’t think we can put a limit on what is possible for this tournament. We don’t want to say we can only get to the quarters or semi-finals,” the 22-year-old added.
“We believe we can go all the way. We have to. There is no point coming here and believing anything else.”
England follow up their opener with a clash against tournament minnows Panama on Sunday, before finishing their group fixtures against Belgium.
Former Ireland U21 player becomes youngest manager in England’s top four divisions
‘This team shouldn’t be burdened’: Southgate hoping for England World Cup exorcism
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
dele alli England FIFA World Cup Football Russia 2018