Dele Alli can shine for Spurs and England, says Mauricio Pochettino
Thursday 15 October 2015 17:15, UK
Mauricio Pochettino has backed Dele Alli to go to Euro 2016 with England after he made his international debut against Estonia last Friday.
The Tottenham manager did not see Alli's first England appearance - he came on with just three minutes remaining - however he did watch Tuesday night's game when Alli played for 23 minutes in England's 3-0 win in Lithuania.
The 19-year old, who has started in Tottenham's last three games, including the 4-1 win against Manchester City, appeared composed on the international stage and Pochettino believes if he continues to improve at his current rate, he could make Roy Hodgson's final squad for Euro 2016.
"It's not a question for me, it's a question for Roy," he said. "But in football it's all about performances. If he follows in the same way the way he has played in the last few months, maybe he'll have the opportunity to go.
"It's not about how old he is. Football is not about names, or ages, it's about performances. If he follows in the same way as he has done in recent months, then maybe. I watched the second game and his first touch was great - and I'm happy with how he has come back to us."
Alli has been one of Tottenham's success stories this season, impressing not only the club's coaching staff but also his team-mates by how quickly he has adjusted to Premier League football after playing for MK Dons last season.
"He's very mature, and that's really important for all players," Pochettino explained. "He is still young but he's very mature - a great boy. He is the same on the pitch and off it. We are very happy with how he has adapted to the Premier League after coming from League One. He's adapted in a very good way."
Alli has formed a solid partnership with Eric Dier in central midfield in recent games, although Dier is suspended for this weekend's visit of Liverpool to White Hart Lane.
Heung-Min Son will also be missing as he continues to recover from a foot injury, and could be out for up to four weeks.
Pochettino confirmed Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason are recovering from their respective injuries but says this weekend's game comes too soon for them to feature.
