After a shaky but priceless win over Tunisia in their opening World Cup game, England is now gearing up to make it two wins out of two in their next tie. Unfortunately, one of their biggest players will likely miss their upcoming match.
That man is Tottenham star Dele Alli, who suffered an injury in the 2-1 win over the North African nation. The midfielder had suffered a thigh strain and was thus taken off the pitch late in the second half in what had been an uncomfortable clash for the 22-year-old.
Hopes of seeing him return in time for their encounter with Panama now appear to be dead, unfortunately. Despite warming-up with the squad, Alli was forced to train alone which is a testament to his lack of fitness.
Dele Alli started training with main group but after warm-ups was withdrawn. Now working alone, moving gingerly, clearly nowhere near full fitness. Final session before flying to Nizhny Novgorod this afternoon, kick-off 1300 GMT Sunday #WorldCup #ENG #PAN #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/Ji9lMTgw38
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) June 23, 2018
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate even admitted that it is unlikely that the former MK Dons starlet will be fit in time for Sunday’s game. Regardless, the manager refused to rule him out.
Alli’s absence is not a welcomed one, but England should be able to cope in his absence. The Spurs ace was not at his best in their first group-stage match but they still managed to come away with all three points, albeit they left it late.
The European side’s clash with Panama is crucial, nonetheless, as the result from that game could make or break England’s chances of winning the group. Belgium currently sits at the top but victory over the Red Devils in their final group-stage game could see Harry Kane and Co. leapfrog Martinez’s men.