Sir Alex Ferguson said that England’s World Cup star has excellent skills, now he is unemployed

England’s wait for major international glory dates back decades to the 1966 World Cup, and the wounds of recent tournaments are still fresh.

In Russia 2018, Gareth Southgate’s young side swept the nation on a wave of hope, reaching the semi-finals before Croatia broke English hearts with a 2-1 extra-time victory in Moscow.

Four years later in Qatar, it was France who ended the dream in the quarter-finals, Harry Kane’s missed penalty in the dying minutes compounding some of England’s woes. Two bouts, two gut-punches, one painful pattern.

Under Thomas Tuchel, England have continued with a clear philosophy and the courage to stick to it without looking back.

His squad selections have been among the most controversial in recent memory – Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold all found themselves on the sidelines at various points, despite being among the most talented players in the country.

Tuchel’s message was clear and consistent throughout. He did not choose the most talented people. He was building a team.

It has sparked a heated debate that only the England team can create. Names were demanded, decisions were questioned, and the usual cycle of outrage played out on every back page and phone call.

All competitions bring the same discussion – who is in, who is out, and who was the best fit.

But while the debate rages over the current crop, one player who once seemed to be part of England’s future has been conspicuous by his absence for years.

Sir Alex Ferguson regrets not managing Dele Alli

At one time, Tottenham youngster Dele Alli looked like England’s next star.

A maverick talent who followed an unconventional route to the top, signed for Spurs from MK Dons without ever appearing at one of the club’s traditional academy, Alli was a special talent who moved fans from their seats and did it all at his own pace.

And speaking shortly after the midfielder was dropped from the England squad for 2021, Sir Alex Ferguson was asked to name the players he wished he had managed before he retired.

So what happened there? Alli left Tottenham in January 2022 having never featured under then manager Antonio Conte.

A six-month spell at Everton was less successful, and he would join Besiktas on loan that summer having failed to provide a goal or assist for the Toffees in 13 games.

The English coach played a further 13 games in the Turkish top flight, but suffered a hip injury and returned to Everton the following summer, where he would play out his contract in the reserves and training ground.

In January 2025, Alli joined Cesc Fabregas’ FC Como in Serie A on an 18-month contract. He returned to the field two months later, but was taken off almost as soon as he started playing.

That will be the last appearance for Como, who released the 30-year-old in September, less than halfway through his contract.

Out of the club ever since, Alli remains one of football’s biggest unanswered questions. The player, aged 21, who outsold Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes at the same age – and who Sir Alex himself described as a huge talent – now finds himself without a team as England prepare for a World Cup in which he should, in another life, be pivotal.