It may have been one of those pieces of managerial reverse psychology, or a harsh truth honestly felt. Either way, it doesn’t appear to have bothered Dele Alli.
England manager Gareth Southgate was discussing who can replace the retired Wayne Rooney when he downplayed the readiness of the Tottenham midfielder. He is not world class, England’s manager said.
Not world class? Burnley are hardly Barcelona, but they are a solid Premier League side who beat Chelsea only a fortnight ago.
Putting the disappointing draw aside, Alli was the standout player for Spurs amongst a team of internationals and his strike would’ve won them a tough three points had Burnley not scored late on.