MK Dons manager Karl Robinson has told the Daily Star that he believes Dele Alli could force his way into the England senior squad for Euro 2016. The youngster departed stadiummk over the summer to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
19-year-old Alli was on the radar of many top clubs in the Premier League following his impressive displays for Robinson last season as he helped MK Dons finish as runners up in League One. He signed for Spurs in the final moments of last January’s transfer window, but was allowed to immediately re-join MK Dons on loan.
Now he has managed to break into Mauricio Pochettino’s starting eleven on a regular basis so far this season. He has featured in the Europa League as well, and on Sunday played 90 minutes against Crystal Palace in front of England manager Roy Hodgson.
Robinson handed Alli his debut aged 16 and scored in his first start against Cambridge City in an FA Cup tie, but he firmly believes that the talented playmaker can gate-crash the England squad for the Euros in France,
“I’m sure Roy Hodgson will have ideas of who he’ll take. As a wildcard Dele ticks a number of boxes: he can play down the left, play as No 10, and can also sit in midfield and dictate the game from deep.
I’ve seen most of the games, and he’s played in a number of positions. I think being versatile as a young player aids your minutes on the pitch and that’s where he’s got a bit of an advantage.
He can be as good as he wants to be. I’ve known this kid since he was 14 and nothing’s ever fazed him – whether it be training with the first team or playing in an FA Cup tie – I think he played when he was 16 and scored an absolute wonder goal.”
Alli recently made his England Under-21 debut and has represented his country through the age groups starting with the Under-17 side. Receiving a call-up along with the likes of Wayne Rooney et al. for the major tournament would serve as a major boost to the Football League and also the MK Dons Academy.
