England boss Gareth Southgate has said Dele Alli needs to start winning trophies before he can be considered an elite player.
The Tottenham midfielder has become a crucial figure for the national team less than two years after making his debut, and will be expected to get even more responsibility after Wayne Rooney’s international retirement.
But Southgate says the 21-year-old still has a lot to do prove himself in the football world.
“Dele is an exciting player and it’s a great opportunity for him to kick on, but there’s always a challenge,” said the England manager, quoted in several national newspapers.
“He’s a young player, but he’s not a proven player. At the moment, he hasn’t won anything.
“Like all young players, he’s got to keep looking to improve. His goalscoring record over the past couple of years is phenomenal for a player who is not an out-and-out striker.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate