Dele Alli has three-word reminder that goes off on his phone every day at 11am

Dele Alli has a daily reminder set on his phone that speaks volumes about his determination to play at the highest level again.

The former MK Dons and Spurs midfielder, who hasn't played a competitive game of football since February 2023, is currently a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Everton.

That being said, the Toffees have allowed Alli to train at Finch Farm this summer as he steps up his recovery from injury.

Everton manager Sean Dyche recently gave an update on Alli's situation. “He’s just making sure he’s right," Dyche said. "He’s had a little bit of a slip back with his fitness so he is just in that total recovery period.”

Depending on the progress of his comeback, it is said Everton are open to handing the 28-year-old a new deal, although Ligue 1 side Lille are also interested in his signature, according to the Daily Mail.

Alli is determined to get back to his best. Speaking on Monday Night Football in April, the midfielder opened up on his ambition to play for England at the 2026 World Cup.

Having made several appearances at U17 and U18 level, Alli collected an impressive 37 caps for England between 2015 and 2019, where he played in Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

“I spoke about it in my interview and don't want to go over it too much again – but I know my level as a player and what I can get to," he told Sky Sports.

“I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place and I'm feeling good. Obviously I'm disappointed with the injury right now but I'm excited to get playing.

“It's hard for me to even watch football. It's been tough for me, I'd say, this past eight months has been hard to watch.”

Image credit: Getty

Alli then touched on his decision to set a daily reminder on his phone for 11am.

He added: “You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’. That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, ‘he hasn't played in a year’ but I don't care, I know my level.

“The only target I have is the World Cup right now. Obviously I'm injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I'm in the best possible condition after the summer."