Dele Alli has announced his target for football return

Dele Alli has announced the goal he'd like to achieve by the end of his career, following his eventual return to football this summer.

The current Everton player is injured at the moment, but will return to full fitness by the 2024/25 pre-season. However, by that point, he will be out of contract with the Merseyside club.

On Sky Sports Monday Night Football show, Dele was asked if he thinks he can return to the heights he's previously achieved.

"I mean I hope so," said Dele. "You know how you can set reminders on your phone? I have a reminder set at 11 o'clock everyday, (reading) World Cup 2026.

"That's my aim, for now."

Dele was a part of the England squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-final, scoring in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden. By the time the 2020 Euros rolled around though, in 2021, Dele was far from his former self, and didn't make the squad.

Now, after a rough few years in football due to personal circumstances and his form, he's determined to prove his worth.

Thanks to @dele_official for joining us on #MNF tonight, I think I speak for everyone that it would be great to see him back playing football & scoring goals at the highest level 🤞🏻💙 https://t.co/eZpMMdcXwK

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 15, 2024

"I feel like people want to be like: 'Oh he hasn't played in a year.' But I don't care. I know where my level is."

Dele will be 30 years old by the time of the 2026 World Cup.