Dele Alli 's hopes of playing at the 2026 World Cup now look a long way off after Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad announcement.
The ambition itself deserves respect. Alli said in 2024 that he had an 11 o'clock daily reminder on his phone saying "World Cup 2026".
It was a powerful sign of belief. But England selection is not built on belief alone, and Alli still needs club football before that dream can start to feel realistic again.
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Alli joined Como in January 2025, hoping to rebuild his career, but the move did not provide the platform he needed.
He made just one senior appearance for the Italian club before he left by mutual consent , which shows how far he still has to go.
A World Cup push requires rhythm, visibility and trust from a manager. Alli cannot build any of that without regular competitive minutes.
It is not about dismissing his past quality either. He still has 37 England caps, showing how high his ceiling once was.
Tuchel's latest England squad announcement only underlines the gap Alli needs to close.
This is no longer about reputation. England have active midfield and attacking options who are playing regularly, competing at high levels and fitting into a defined tournament plan.
Alli is not there right now. Reports have him training individually at Tottenham while he waits for his next club move.
That is not a selection platform. It is the starting point for a comeback.
Alli's World Cup ambition is still admirable, but nostalgia will not move him closer to Tuchel's squad. His route back has to begin with a club, minutes and form.
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