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player ready...Dele Alli was selected in England’s squad for its final two World Cup qualifiers while he awaits a ruling by FIFA’s disciplinary body regarding an obscene gesture the midfielder made during a recent international game.
The case will be heard at a disciplinary meeting that concludes Thursday, with a verdict possibly being announced on Friday.
“We run the risk of looking a shambles because he could get withdrawn again,” England manager Gareth Southgate said.
“The hope is that common sense prevails.”
Alli made a gesture in England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia this month, a result that moved the team five points clear in Group F. He said it was not directed at the referee, but at teammate Kyle Walker.
A three-match ban would rule Alli out of the upcoming qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania, as well as the first game of next year’s World Cup in Russia should England qualify.
A win over Slovenia on Oct. 5 would secure an automatic spot in the finals.
England called up midfielder Fabian Delph, who played at left back for Manchester City in recent games.