Tottenham's Dele Alli 'can do everything', and should start for England at Euro 2016
Sunday 24 January 2016 11:34, UK
Dele Alli is the best Englishman in his position, and should start for England at Euro 2016, say the Sunday Supplement panel.
Alli's superb strike helped Tottenham to a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday, the 19-year-old's sixth goal of the season.
The former MK Dons midfielder has seven England caps, and the Daily Telegraph's Paul Hayward believes he is a shoo-in to star for England in France in the summer.
Hayward said: "People always shout at you when you get excited about a young English player, they say: 'We've been here before.'
"But we haven't been here before, we haven't often had a young English player, 19 years old, with that range of talents.
"He can do everything. He can score spectacular goals, he can tackle, he can drive the play, he can carry the ball, he's physically and mentally strong, he doesn't get pushed around on the ball.
"Again, you're not allowed to compare people with a young Steven Gerrard, but I would in this case because he's that kind of player.
"Inevitably, your thoughts turn to the summer, can Alli start for England at the Euros? I say yes, because in his current position he has to start for England."
The Daily Mail's Martin Samuel echoed Hayward's words, saying Alli is better than both Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere as England prepare to take on Wales, Slovakia and Russia in the group stage.
"Is [Jordan Henderson] as good as Dele Alli? Is [Jack Wilshere] as good as Dele Alli? They're not as good as Dele Alli.
"He is the best in his position in this country at the moment."
Hayward added: "And his position, his best position, is attacking midfield, and he has competition for that position with Ross Barkley. But can anybody name a better attacking midfielder in the country than Dele Alli?
"He's got the character of an exceptional player as well. You don't do what you did yesterday unless you fancy yourself."
