Football
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Tottenham's Dele Alli and Eric Dier can be England's Euro 2016 stars - Jenas

Jermaine Jenas believes Eric Dier should be England's holding midfielder at Euro 2016 and has backed Dele Alli for an impact substitute role.

Dier, 21, and Alli, 19, have been outstanding for Tottenham this season, and the duo simultaneously made their England debuts from the bench in November's friendly defeat to Spain.

Alli then marked his full international bow with a stunning goal against France and the teenager has since gone from strength to strength.

Following his wonder goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday, there have been calls for Alli to play a starring role for England in France.

Jenas, however, believes Alli could "set the tournament alight" from the bench but has backed Dier for a starting spot ahead of his defensive midfield rivals.

"The fact is that no England player has made that holding midfield position their own. [Jack] Wilshere, [James] Milner and [Jonjo] Shelvey have all played there, but I think they are all more effective further up the pitch," the former Tottenham and England midfielder told Eurosport.

"On current form, you'd have to pick Eric Dier ahead of them because he has been playing regularly for Tottenham and he has barely put a foot wrong.

"Dele Alli has been outstanding, but I think he'd be best used coming off the bench in the Euros and he could set the tournament alight."

Jenas also called for West Ham's Mark Noble to given an opportunity by England boss Roy Hodgson.

"If you look at all England's central midfielders right now, the West Ham captain is definitely in the top five. it's surely time for Hodgson to give him a chance," Jenas added.

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