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

Dele Alli has big plans for the future. (Image: Getty.)

Dele Alli has not played a professional game of football for nearly two years, but that hasn't stopped the former Tottenham, Everton and England man from dreaming big as he steps up his comeback.

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

He is still training at Everton despite leaving Sean Dyche’s side upon the expiration of his contract last summer, using the club’s facilities to aid a return to full fitness.

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The Toffees are said to be open to offering Alli another contract if he can prove that his injury woes are behind him, with Tottenham willing to write off an agreement that would see Everton pay them £10million if he made seven more appearances.

He suffered a setback earlier this month with a muscle strain but is thought to see the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ regarding his injuries and not only has sights set on playing in the Premier League again, but also his country.

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The Daily Mail claim that Alli has an alarm that pops up on his phone every day at 11am which reads: “World Cup 2026.”

Dele Alli wants to play for England at the 2026 World Cup. (Image: Getty)

Alli's ambitions to compete in America with the Three Lions are undeniable and while he is currently far away from Lee Carsley’s squad, few would bet against the man who has already overcome plenty in order to become a professional footballer.

The latest of Alli’s 37 England caps came nearly five years ago, before he was left out of the squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers. He has yet to return since that snub from Gareth Southgate, but with a new man soon to be at the helm, all bets are off for the future.

Unfortunately, he has been unable to play in Under-21 matches for Everton to build his fitness having not been registered by the club. However, the prospect of playing in behind-closed-doors friendlies exists and Alli has Dyche’s backing going forward.

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“It's not easy but unfortunately it is part of being a professional footballer,” Dyche said last week. “Not for all, of course. I had a year out with my back, played one game and then did my back again the next week.

“But he has had a tough run of it, there is no doubt about that – and (it is) on the back of him feeling better about himself. To have this period out has been very challenging for him but whenever I see him he seems to be in good spirits.”

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

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

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

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

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