Alli handed one-game England ban

England will be without Dele Alli for their upcoming World Cup qualifier with Slovenia after the Tottenham midfielder was banned for one game by FIFA.

Alli was charged by the world game’s governing body after being caught on camera making a one-fingered salute during England’s qualifying win over Slovakia at Wembley earlier this month.

It was initially thought the signal was aimed at referee Clement Turpin, but Alli and Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate claimed it was actually directed towards his former Spurs team-mate Kyle Walker.

The midfielder could have been handed a two-game ban, but FIFA has opted to impose just a one-match suspension having been unconvinced the act was aimed at Turpin.

The news will be a relief to Southgate, who admitted on Thursday England risked “being a shambles” by selecting him when he could have missed both of his side’s qualifiers.