MOSCOW, June 30 (Xinhua) -- England midfielder Dele Alli said on Saturday that he is fully fit and available as his side prepares to play Colombia in the last 16 of the World Cup in Moscow on Monday evening.
A minor thigh injury that he picked up in the opening match against Tunisia kept Alli out of the 6-1 win against Panama, and although he was probably fit enough to have played in the final Group G game against Belgium if needed, coach Gareth Southgate preferred not to risk him.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, Alli said he and the rest of the squad supported Southgate's decision to rest nine outfield players in the last group match against Belgium, even though the 1-0 defeat they suffered means they now face a tough task against Colombia in the last 16.
"As players we support any decision the manager makes," said Alli.
"We came here with a big squad and everyone is fighting for their place. It was a great opportunity and I think the boys have done well," he added, rejecting the idea England had taken a step backwards after their 6-1 victory against Panama.
"I don't think we lost any momentum. We're all fighting, we're all raring to go and we're all looking forward to the next game," commented the midfielder.
It has been argued that by avoiding a possible quarterfinal tie against Brazil, England now have an easier route to a possible final appearance, but Alli rejected that idea, saying thinking too far ahead was "very dangerous."
"We have to approach every game like we're playing the best team in the world. We have to get past Colombia first, they are a dangerous team and we have to beat them and not look into the future."
"These are top sides and no international game is easy," warned Alli.
