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Football

10th Sep 2018

Dele Alli pulls out of England squad for Switzerland friendly

The Tottenham midfielder has returned to his club after picking up a minor knock during England's UEFA Nations League match against Spain

Reuben Pinder

The Tottenham midfielder has a minor muscle strain

Dele Alli has withdrawn from the England squad for tomorrow’s friendly against Switzerland with a minor muscle strain.

The Tottenham midfielder started England’s UEFA Nations League match against Spain at Wembley on Saturday night, which the visitors won 2-1 with all three goals coming in the first half.

But Alli has picked up a knock and returned to his club a a precaution. He was unlikely to play in the Switzerland anyway, with Gareth Southgate set to make nine changes to the starting XI.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fabian Delph will likely step into the central midfield positions previously occupied by Alli and Jesse Lingard, with Eric Dier replacing Jordan Henderson at the base of the three.

It is unknown when Alli will return to full fitness, but Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping he makes a fast recovery, as they prepare to host Liverpool on Saturday.