Dele Alli: Everton midfielder sets sights on 2026 World Cup with England - 'Light at the end of the tunnel’

Dele Alli wants to be part of England's plans for the 2026 World Cup, after dropping his biggest hint yet that a return to football is on the horizon.

The Everton midfielder has not played competitively since February 2023 due to hip and groin injuries.

That appearance came during a loan spell for Turkish club Besiktas, whereas he has not represented The Toffees since a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa in August 2022.

But he has told Sky Sports that he feels he is close to being able to get back on the pitch.

"I have a reminder on my phone every single day at 11 o'clock - World Cup 2026," he revealed.

"People will be like 'he hasn't played in a year' but that's my aim. I know where my level is."

Dele joined Everton from Tottenham in January 2022, initially on a free-transfer, and played a key role as they beat Crystal Palace 3-2 to avoid relegation in their penultimate game of the season.

However, alongside injuries, he has opened up on the mental health problems he has faced during not only his time at Goodison Park, but his entire career.

The 28-year-old has previously revealed that he attended rehab in an effort to deal with his addiction to sleeping pills.

Everton have been supportive of him through his recovery, and, despite his contract with the club expiring this summer, he hopes he can repay them.

"It has just been an injury issue," he continued. "One that I am hopefully getting to the end of. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"I have had to be patient and it has been a long journey with the injury, a lot of ups and downs.

"It has helped me grow even more as a person. To have those opportunities to grow myself, the pain of the injury is something I can channel when I am back."

Having started his career with MK Dons, Alli rose to prominence when he joined Spurs in 2015, and has subsequently won 37 caps for England, scoring three goals.

His last appearance for his country came in a 0-0 UEFA Nations League draw with Switzerland in June 2019, a match Gareth Southgate's side won on penalties to secure third place in the tournament.

"The only target I have is the World Cup," he added. "I’m injured right now. I’m signed to Everton.

"My mindset is to take it day by day, make sure my injury heals right and that I am in the best possible condition for the summer. I don’t want to rush it.”

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