Dele Alli schedules three-word reminder on his phone that pops up every morning

Dele Alli hasn’t played a game of professional football in almost two years, but that hasn’t stopped the former Tottenham, Everton and England man from dreaming big when he makes his comeback.

   Alli once sat atop the footballing world as one of the faces of his club and country.    But his last appearance came during an ill-fated loan spell at Besiktas in February 2023, when injuries took their toll on the 28-year-old.

   He is still training at Everton, despite leaving Sean Dyche at the end of his contract last summer, and is using the club’s facilities to get back to full fitness.

   The Toffees are said to be willing to offer Alli a new deal if he can prove his injury problems are behind him, with Tottenham ready to sign a deal that would see Everton pay them £10m if he makes another seven appearances.

   He suffered a setback with a torn muscle earlier this month but is believed to be seeing “light at the end of the tunnel” regarding his injuries and has not only focused on getting back to playing in the Premier League but also on his country.

   The Daily Mail claims that Alli has an alarm that goes off on his phone every day at 11am that reads: “World Cup 2026.”

   Alli’s ambitions to compete in America with the Three Lions are undeniable and although he is currently a long way from Lee Carsley’s side, few would bet against a man who has already overcome a lot to become a professional footballer.

   He made the last of Allis’ 37 England caps almost five years ago before being left out of the Euro 2020 qualifying squad. He has yet to bounce back from that Gareth Southgate taunt, but with a new man in charge soon, all bets are off  excluded for the future.

   Unfortunately, he was unable to play in the U21 games for Everton to build up his fitness after the club failed to register him.    But there is the possibility of playing in friendlies behind closed doors and Alli has Dyche’s backing going forward.

   “It’s not easy but unfortunately that’s part of being a professional footballer,” Dyche said last week.    “Of course not for everyone. I was out all year, I played one game and the next week I did it again.

   “But he’s been through a tough time, there’s no doubt about that – and (it’s) on his part to make himself feel better. It’s been a very challenging period for him out there, but when I see him, he seems to be in good spirits.  “