Skip to content

England's Dele Alli has the 'swagger' of a Brazilian, says Roberto Carlos

 at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England.
Image: Dele Alli has scored twice in 25 appearances for England

England midfielder Dele Alli has the "swagger" of a Brazilian, according to Roberto Carlos.

Carlos, 45, was a part of the Brazil side who were beaten finalists at the 1998 World Cup in France before winning the tournament four years later hosted in Japan and South Korea.

The former left-back believes Brazil are once again among the leading contenders to triumph in Russia this summer, and feels England are one of the sides in contention behind them.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli (R) celebrates with Kieran Trippier after scoring the opening goal v Real Madrid at Wembley in the Champions League
Image: Tottenham's Dele Alli celebrates with Kieran Trippier after scoring v Real Madrid at Wembley in 2017

Carlos tipped Tottenham midfielder Alli to play a major part in any success Gareth Southgate's side have.

He told The Sunday Mirror: "England are one of the favourites after Brazil. But I really like Dele Alli - he's a lot like a Brazilian player.

"I saw him at the Real Madrid against Spurs game and he was really impressive. He's tall and has real ability - a very good player.

"He has the swagger that Brazilians have."

Also See:

Alli himself has said England are flying out to Russia with the intention to win the competition and would not be satisfied with a second-place finish.

England begin their World Cup campaign with a game against Tunisia on June 18.

World Cup Super 6
World Cup Super 6

Could you be the next Super 6 winner? Enter your predictions for free here.

Around Sky