‘The outstanding choice’ – Collymore makes shock suggestion about Tottenham star
By Russell Edge
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has suggested that Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli should be given the England captaincy on a full time basis.
The role is currently in limbo, with former captain Wayne Rooney having retired from international duty.
England boss Gareth Southgate is yet to announce his successor, with the captain’s armband having passed between the likes of Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson in recent internationals.
However Collymore believes that the responsibility should fall on the shoulders of Kane’s Tottenham team mate Dele Alli, insisting that it would bring the best out of the 21-year-old.
Writing in his column for the Mirror, he said: “Give the armband to Dele Alli now.
“This is the boy who needs making into a man and if Gareth Southgate were to make him captain ahead of the World Cup finals we’d see the boy fly.
“Responsibility isn’t a bad thing, it’s a great thing, and while Harry Kane is getting on with scoring the goals Alli could be marshalling the team from midfield.
“He really is the outstanding choice.”
Collymore’s claim will come as a shock to many, as there are questions hanging over the youngster’s attitude and temperament.
Alli has been at the centre of controversy over recent weeks for numerous incidents, one of which will see him suspended for England’s clash against Slovenia on Thursday.
He was banned for one game after a FIFA disciplinary panel deemed a gesture he made during England’s World Cup qualifier with Slovakia to be “offensive and unsporting”.
He was also put in the spotlight after Tottenham’s clash with Huddersfield on Saturday, after receiving a yellow card for simulation during the 4-0 win, with many fans and pundits condemning his actions.
Since maing his international debut back in 2015, the Tottenham midfielder has gone on to make 21 appearances for the Three Lions, scoring twice.
England need just one win from their final two qualifiers to secure a place at next year’s World Cup finals in Russia.
In other Tottenham news, the club are lining up a move for Barcelona’s £20million-rated star.
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