MK Dons manager Karl Robinson believes Tottenham midfielder Delle Alli was always destined to play for England.
Robinson handed Alli his professional debut with the Dons as a 16-year-old and it comes as no surprise to him that the Spurs starlet has been called into Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania this week and next.
"It was a definite wry smile (from me) because ever since he was 16 I said that he would play for England," Robinson said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
"People forget he has played 80 games, he has proved his sustainability over a period of time.
"I am so proud of him, for him and his family I really am.
"I am ecstatic for him. He is a tremendous kid, he deserves it and I will certainly be watching from wherever I am.
"He is tremendously gifted, he's a great kid but he has to work hard because he has not achieved anything just yet but his record speaks for itself.
"Hopefully he will look back and reflect on his career when he is 35 or 40 with tremendous pride and really know he has given everything he possibly could."