Dele Alli urges England players to buy into Gareth Southgate's philosophy
Dele Alli has urged England's players to unite and buy into Gareth Southgate's footballing philosophy.
The Three Lions cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Lithuania on Sunday afternoon, which handed Southgate his first win since being appointed manager on a permanent basis.
Strikes from Jermain Defoe and Jamie Vardy proved to be the difference against a team ranked 107th in the world but England were still criticised for not winning by a larger margin in front of an expectant Wembley crowd.
England were deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation and, despite murmurs of criticism, their display was full of promise, with Southgate's players intent on implementing a high-intensity passing game.
Alli thrived in an advanced midfield role similar to the one he plays for Tottenham and is adamant Southgate's new methods must be embraced if the nation wants to be successful.
"[Southgate] likes to play football and get the ball down. I think with the players we have got it really suits us," Alli told Sky Sports News.
"We like to win the ball up high and press, and get the ball down and play football and be patient as well so it is a fantastic time.
"With the boys we have got here, a lot of the boys want to play that way.
"It is important with the squad he chooses that everyone comes in and has an understanding and wants to play the same way.
"It is important for the team when we come here that we all buy into the philosophy. He is a fantastic coach and it is a pleasure to play for him," Alli added.
England have amassed 13 points from their opening five games and sit top of their 2018 World Cup qualification group.
Next up for the Three Lions is June's trip to Scotland, who occupy fourth place after keeping their slender hopes of reaching Russia alive with a late win over Slovenia.
Dele Alli urges England to buy into Gareth Southgate's philosophyPremier LeagueTottenham HotspurGareth SouthgateDele AlliEngland Football TeamEngland 2 Lithuania 0: Dele Alli urges England to buy into Gareth Southgate's philosophyIn Pictures | England vs Lithuania | 26/03/17
In Pictures | England vs Lithuania | 26/03/17
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