Ally McCoist has been left “staggered” by something Dele Alli said during his appearance on Sky Sports Monday Night Football.

Sean Dyche’s side were blown away by Chelsea on Monday evening as Cole Palmer’s four-goal display saw the hosts run out 6-0 winners.

The Stamford Bridge humbling means the Toffees still sit just two points above the relegation zone ahead of two huge fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Luton Town.

To compound Evertonians’ misery, Dele Alli was present on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football to dissect the game alongside Jamie Carragher.

Of course, it was nice to see the 28-year-old back in what is seemingly a good place. After opening up about his struggles to Gary Neville on his mental health issues last year, it’s been an extremely tough 14 months for the former Tottenham star.

He’s clearly looking forward to getting back out playing, but when that will be is an entirely different question.

Alli remains positive and revealed towards the end of the programme that he’s set a reminder on his phone regarding the 2026 World Cup. Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday morning, McCoist admitted he would be “staggered” to see the 28-year-old feature in two years.

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“I think it’s commendable, and I like the fact that he sets that alarm [to remind him about the World Cup] at 11 am and puts 2026,” he said [talkSPORT Breakfast, 07:23].

“But, I would be staggered. It would be a remarkable turnaround for Dele Alli. I am not saying it’s impossible. I admire the fact that’s his target and his dream. If you think that man hasn’t played since February 2023. It would be the comeback of all comebacks.”

Can Dele Alli make the England 2026 World Cup squad?

It’s certainly an ambitious target for the 28-year-old, but it shows he’s looking to reach the heights he once set as a youngster. He was a crucial part of Gareth Southgate’s squad that reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018.

If he’s anywhere near his best – and Southgate is still in charge – there’s every chance of him being considered.

However, for now, it’s hard to envisage Alli travelling across the Atlantic with the Three Lions squad. He needs to prove that he can still compete in the Premier League before even being considered on the international stage.