Key England Man A Doubt To Face Sweden: Chelsea & Tottenham Stars Pushing For Recall

Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Tottenham’s Eric Dier are in-line for a recall for England’s crucial World Cup quarter-final against Sweden with Dele Alli a doubt for the game.

Alli has been hampered by a thigh injury since picking up the problem during the group stage opening win over Tunisia and the Spurs midfielder has been undergoing intense treatment over the past two weeks.

The 22-year-old was forced to miss subsequent group games against Panama and Belgium but returned to the starting eleven for the last-16 clash with Colombia last Tuesday night. Alli didn’t look 100% fit and was withdrawn after 80 minutes as England went on to book their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over the South American’s.

The Tottenham star was able to train on Friday before the squad flew-out to Samara ahead of this afternoon’s game with Sweden but the Guardian claim Alli will be given a late fitness check before Gareth Southgate names his line-up.

If Alli’s passed fit, then Southgate is expected to name an unchanged line-up from the side that faced Colombia with the former MK Dons star alongside Jesse Lingard and Jordan Henderson in midfield.

However, if Alli fails his late test then Southgate has a huge decision to make. Loftus-Cheek is the natural replacement as he could slot in alongside Lingard with Henderson staying in the deeper midfield role.

However, Southgate may opt against the inexperienced Chelsea star in favour of deploying Dier in the defensive midfield position and moving Henderson in to a more advanced role alongside Lingard.

Alli hasn’t hit top form at the World Cup but his absence would still be a blow to England as he’s still regarded as an important player and his link-up with club-mate Harry Kane is key to Southgate’s planning.

There is more positive news for England on Ashley Young as the Manchester United star is expected to shake off a minor knock to retain his place in the left wing-back position but Jamie Vardy could miss out with a groin problem.