DELE ALLI HAS ‘the swagger of a Brazilian’ and will be one of the players to watch at the Russia World Cup, according to former Brazil international Roberto Carlos.
Carlos was a part of the Selecao side to win the tournament in 2002, hosted in Japan and South Korea, four years after being beaten in the 1998 final in France.
The former left-back believes Brazil are favourites to lift the trophy for a record sixth time in Russia, but has placed England amongst those capable of challenging Tite’s side while tipping Alli to be a standout performer for Gareth Southgate.
“England are one of the favourites after Brazil,” Carlos said . “But I really like Dele Alli – he’s a lot like a Brazilian player.
“I saw him at the Real Madrid against Spurs game and he was really impressive. He’s tall and has real ability – a very good player. He has the swagger that Brazilians have.”
England begin their World Cup campaign against Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena on 18 June, while Brazil face Switzerland at Rostov Arena a day prior.
The two sides could eventually meet at the quarter-final stage of the competition in what would be a repeat meeting of the 2002 finals, in which the South Americans ran out 2-1 winners on their way to claiming the trophy.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
