FIFA World Cup 2018: We’re Going There to Win It – Dele Alli

Apr 6, 2019 at 2:06 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
FIFA World Cup 2018: We’re Going There to Win It – Dele Alli

England star, Dele Alli has insisted the Three Lions have high hopes from the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.

In fact, the Tottenham star said even a second-place finish would not be enough for Gareth Southgate’s men.

England have endured a wretched time in the showpiece event in recent competitions. In fact, their best performance this century has been the quarterfinal finishes in 2002 and 2006.

In the last edition in Brazil, they crashed out at the group stage. The Three Lions have reached the World Cup semi-finals just once since winning the tournament in 1966.

However, Alli has high hopes for the current squad in Russia. He said the team is going to Russia with the sole purpose of winning the title and another result will disappoint the players.

“We’re going there to win it. We don’t expect anything less, and we’ll be disappointed if we finish second,” Ali said.

 

“I feel like we have to have that mentality. We don’t want to go there and just be a part of it. We know how good we are as a squad, we know the talent.

“If we get the best out of each other then anything is possible,” he added.

England are warming up for the event in style. They beat Nigeria 2-1 last week to step up their preparation. Gareth Southgate fielded an attacking line-up against the African side with Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard and Alli all starting alongside frontman Harry Kane.

The England boss was rewarded with an impressive win, and Alli insists England will look to play a similarly attacking brand of football in Russia.

“There is a lot of great players in this squad, and when you’re playing with great players it is not too hard to play with them,” he said.

“We played very well; it was a great game. Even if we won the game 25-0, there would still be things to improve on.

“Even the players that didn’t play against Nigeria, there is a lot of talent there. When you play with players like that it is sort of a natural thing.

“I think Gareth has done a great job in selecting players that want to play the same way. He has really drilled into the philosophy and the way he wants us to play. “That’s exciting football, and we all want to play that way anyway.”

England will play one more warm-up game against Costa Rica on Thursday before jetting off to Russia. They will open their campaign against Tunisia on June 18.

Related Article
In Pictures: The Most Beautiful Football Grounds/Stadiums in the World
In Pictures: The Most Beautiful Football Grounds/Stadiums in the World

Nov 9, 2018, 4:11 PM


My Zero Goals Doesn’t Stop me from Sleeping – Oliver Giroud on Getting No World Cup Goals
My Zero Goals Doesn’t Stop me from Sleeping – Oliver Giroud on Getting No World Cup Goals

Sep 7, 2018, 6:20 PM


We Want to Bring the Ship Back on Course – Joachim Low
We Want to Bring the Ship Back on Course – Joachim Low

Aug 30, 2018, 6:48 PM


Mario Mandzukic Retires From International Football
Mario Mandzukic Retires From International Football

Aug 14, 2018, 11:58 PM


David Silva Announces Retirement From International Football
David Silva Announces Retirement From International Football

Aug 14, 2018, 10:20 AM


Spain’s Gerard Pique Announces International Retirement Aged 31
Spain’s Gerard Pique Announces International Retirement Aged 31

Aug 12, 2018, 5:16 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner