Gareth Southgate to warn Dele Alli to stop stupid antics that could harm England’s World Cup chances
Tottenham star will miss Three Lions qualifier against Slovenia after showing his middle finger during a game last month
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GARETH SOUTHGATE will tell Dele Alli to stop the cheating and cut out the stupid antics.
The England boss plans to hold talks with the Tottenham star this week and will urge him to avoid another moment of madness at next summer’s World Cup.
Dele, 21, will miss Thursday’s qualifier at home to Slovenia.
He was handed a one-game Fifa suspension for displaying his middle finger while playing against Slovakia last month.
Along with Spurs team-mate Harry Kane, Dele has emerged as one of England’s key players.
And while Southgate wants him to remain aggressive, he will be warned the Three Lions could be affected badly in Russia if he steps over the line and they are reduced to ten men.
Southgate was particularly concerned by the dive in Yorkshire — as it came just 24 hours after his Fifa ban was confirmed.
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Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has also warned Dele about his behaviour in the past.
Phil Jones and Fabian Delph last night pulled out of Southgate’s squad with injuries.
Kane, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson also missed training at St George’s Park yesterday and took part in a recovery session.
But Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand reckons England — who can seal their qualification at Wembley — have the strength in depth to cope with any absentees.
Spurs’ Harry Winks has been promoted from the Under-21s.
And Bertrand, likely to start at left-back, said: “We have fantastic competition for places — and that can only be good for the squad.
“We’re blessed with amazing talent as a nation. Whoever comes in will do an amazing job.
“We are very much in a positive mindset and we want to get the six points.”
