Dele Alli's three-word phone reminder he reads every morning speaks volumes about him
Dele Alli has not played for nearly two years but the midfielder still has his eyes set on a return to the England fold and has a daily reminder to keep him focused
by Jack McEachen · The MirrorDespite not having played a professional match for almost two years, Dele Alli is not short of lofty ambitions as he gears up for a major comeback.
Once a heralded name in football, Dele's iconic status at Tottenham and with England has faded after his last game during a tough loan spell at Besiktas which ended in February 2023, following a series of injuries.
Yet the 28-year-old remains undeterred, diligently training at Everton where he continues to use their facilities even after his contract expired last summer, eager to attain peak fitness.
The Merseyside club is reportedly open to the idea of renewing Dele's contract if he can demonstrate he's overcome the fitness issues, especially as Tottenham are ready to forego a £10million payment condition tied to additional appearances.
Despite enduring a minor muscle strain setback earlier this month, Dele is optimistic about recovering from his injuries, with eyes on a Premier League return and even representing England again.
According to The Daily Mail, he has set an alarm for 11am every day with an inspiring note that reads: "World Cup 2026." Fuelled by dreams of playing in the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, his sheer determination is clear.
Although currently distant from Lee Carsley's team, those familiar with Dele's journey, marked by remarkable personal resilience, might not dismiss his chances of once again donning the Three Lions' jersey.
But his last appearance for England was nearly five years ago, and due to not being registered by Everton he's been unable to gain match fitness through Under-21 games. However, there's still a chance for him to participate in behind-closed-doors friendlies, and he has the support of Sean Dyche moving forward.
"It's not easy but unfortunately it is part of being a professional footballer," Dyche said recently. "Not for all, of course. I had a year out with my back, played one game and then did my back again the next week."
He added: "But he has had a tough run of it, there is no doubt about that – and (it is) on the back of him feeling better about himself. To have this period out has been very challenging for him but whenever I see him he seems to be in good spirits."
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