Football
8y

Dele Alli's Tottenham emergence gives England Euro 2016 hope - Pardew

Alan Pardew believes the emergence of Dele Alli gives England hope for Euro 2016, after the teenager's wonder-goal helped sink Crystal Palace on Saturday.

With England manager Roy Hodgson watching on, Alli scored a stunning volley six minutes from time to give Tottenham the lead at Selhurst Park, controlling the ball, flicking it over Palace's Mile Jedinak and finishing from 20-yards.

Harry Kane had earlier cancelled out Jan Vertonghen's own goal, before Nacer Chadli wrapped up a vital 3-1 win for Spurs in stoppage time.

Hodgson caused a surprise when he included Alli in the England squad in October but the 19-year-old justified his selection with three composed substitute appearances and a brilliant goal on his full international debut against France in November.

Barring injury or a sudden loss of form, Alli is set to be included in Hodgson's 23-man squad for this summer's European Championship in France and Pardew believes the midfielder is one of a number of emerging players that suggest a bright future for England.

"It was only 18 months ago we were all moaning, 'Where is the new talent? Are our academies suppressing them?'" the Palace boss said in the Daily Mirror.

"Suddenly we have an abundance of talent: [Alex Oxlade-] Chamberlain, [Theo] Walcott, Dele Alli, Harry Kane, [Jamie] Vardy.

"Suddenly we've got a lot of pace and energy and if I was Roy Hodgson I'd be chortling and chuckling all the way to the summer."

Meanwhile, former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry believes Alli benefitted from remaining on loan at MK Dons for the second half of last season, after agreeing to join Spurs in January 2015.

"I love the fact that he stayed at MK Dons, playing in League One and getting kicked at times," Henry told Sky Sports.

"He can look after himself. He wants the ball. He is brave. He has a big of magic."

^ Back to Top ^