As the arguments over whether England were right to rest players and qualify second in Group G to grant them an arguably easier path through the knockout round eventually come to a close, Dele Alli says the Three Lions are wary of all the top sides and reveals he wants to take a penalty if they are in a shoot-out.
England have lost all three of their World Cup penalty shoot-outs, and Alli is determined to put his training into practice to score from the spot. “We have been taking some penalties after training. Everyone wants to step up,” he said. “If I'm on the pitch, I'll take one.”
Colombia, quarter-finalists in the 2014 World Cup, stand in England’s way of meeting Sweden or Switzerland, and Alli says they will be treating the game as if they’re playing the world’s best team as he refuses to admit the Three Lions have an easier route. “I think it’s very dangerous,” he said.
“We have to approach every game like we’re playing the best team in the World. These are top sides. No international game is easy.
“For us, we’re not focusing on the next game, we’ve got to get through against Colombia. Colombia are a great side with a lot of talent. They are a dangerous side and we have got to get through that and not look into the future.”
England were accused of losing momentum after following up wins against Tunisia and Panama with a 1-0 defeat against Belgium where eight first team players were rested. “I don’t think we lost any momentum,” said Alli. “As players we support any decision the manager makes. We've come here with a big squad and everyone is fighting for their place. It was a great opportunity and I think the boys have done well.”
Alli came off injured in the 80th minute against Tunisia and missed the games against Panama and Belgium, but has declared himself fit to play against Colombia. “Obviously after the injury I was frustrated but I've been doing a lot of work every day to make sure I'm fit and ready to go.”
Loftus-Cheek worked in the gym at the team hotel but is not carrying an injury while Delph returned home to England directly from their 1-0 loss to Belgium in Kaliningrad with his wife due to give birth on Saturday.
Delph, who played the whole game against Belgium, is expected to travel back to England's base and be available to face Colombia.
