England vs Russia: Dele Alli warned to keep cool during Euro 2016 opener by former referee Graham Poll

Key man: Dele Alli is expected to start against Russia
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Sam Long9 June 2016

Dele Alli has been warned to keep his cool during England's opening Euro 2016 game against Russia by former referee Graham Poll.

The 20-year-old Spurs midfielder has not played a competitive game since mid-April after being banned for the tail end of the Premier League season following a clash with West Brom's Claudio Yacob.

Alli's combative style has landed him in hot water on a couple of occasions this term and former England skipper Bryan Robson fears the youngster will become a target for England's opponents this summer.

Roy Hodgson's side face Russia in Marseille on Saturday evening, with Italian official Nicola Rizzoli set to take charge of the game, and Poll is adamant Alli must maintain his composure.

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"Because we are a a major footballing nation it is important for Rizzoll has a good game as a barometer for officiating throughout the tournament," Poll told the Daily Mail.

"He did issue 10 red cards last season - look out, Dele Alli - but he is best remembered for failing to show red to PSV's Hector Moreno for his bad tackles on Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.

"Serie A referee of the year for the past five years, he also refereed England's opening game at the last European Championship," he added.

Alli is expected to start against Russia, having forced his way into England's plans despite relatively modest experience at elite level.

The role that the midfielder could be deployed in remains uncertain, with Wayne Rooney also vying to be given a chance to play at number 10.

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