England beats Nigeria to Dele Alli

Jones’ United teammate Michael Carrick is included in the squad for the double-header despite recent injury concerns. Either the player sulks, pouts and suffers a dip in form, or they use the snub as motivation to work harder, play better and demand inclusion the next time out.

The 23-year-old scored against both Norwich and Carlisle before forming a promising double act with Daniel Sturridge against Aston Villa last weekend.

England have won all eight qualifying games so far, but Hodgson said he may use the last group in Lithuania to “experiment” with his starting line-up, even if it costs his side their 100% record.

With England guaranteed their spot at next summer’s Euros, manager Roy Hodgson has already said that he will be giving opportunities to new players in the build up to the tournament.

Lamela has begun to impress on a consistent basis this term, following up a man-of-the-match display in Tottenham’s 4-1 comeback win against Manchester City by scoring in Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw in Monaco.

Alli caused nightmares for defenders in League One throughout the 2014/15 season, establishing himself as one of the most feared midfielders in the division. Who knows where he will end up? “He is an exciting talent”. “I’m disappointed but at the same time, I’m happy with the performance and the effort, that was brilliant”, Pochettino said. I think it is the right decision.

“I think the game in Lithuania will be the one where if any experimentation or changes take place it will be there, which might damage our chances of getting the ideal 10 but I am prepared to accept that”, he said. “It was a strong first half from us and maybe we could have seen the game out, finished a few more chances but it was not to be”.

Hodgson had kind words for injured left-back Shaw, adding: “It’s a cruel blow for him”. “We wanted to induct him into England and the England way”.

Hodgson, who described the injury as “heartbreaking”, said: “I had really high hopes for Luke in 2016”. They have lit a fire in a player who is already a powder keg and now we get to enjoy the inevitable explosion. “There are no guarantees from my point”.