Everton midfielder Dele Allihas set his sights on a remarkable comeback. Despite a season marred by injuries and setbacks, the 28-year-old Englishman is resolute: he wants to don the Three Lions jersey once again at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dele Alli burst onto the international scene during the 2018 World Cup, etching his name in football folklore with a crucial goal against Sweden in the quarter-finals. His dazzling performances for England left fans in awe, but fate had other plans. Since 2019, he hasn’t represented his country, and his club career has hit a rough patch.
Dele’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Multiple injuries plagued his post-Tottenham transfer stint at Everton. Mental health battles also took their toll, as revealed in a poignant interview with Gary Neville. Yet, Dele remains undeterred. His resilience shines through, and he’s determined to prove that there’s plenty of football left in him.
The Monday Night Revelation
During a recent appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Dele faced tough questions. Why couldn’t he sustain the high standard he set earlier in his career? His response was candid:
“A lot of different things off the pitch. But I know my level as a player. I know what I can get to. I know how good I can be when my head’s in the right place and I’m feeling good.”
And then came the revelation. Dele confessed,
“I have a reminder on my phone at 11 o’clock every day: ‘World Cup 2026.’ That’s my aim for now. People might say, ‘He hasn’t played in a year,’ but I don’t care. I know where my level is.”
Dele Alli’s determination is palpable. As the football world looks ahead to 2026, we’ll be watching closely. Can he reclaim his spot in the England squad? Tell us your opinion on this in the comments section