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That is how Alli describes Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier, who has joined him in being called up by Roy Hodgson for the upcoming friendlies with Spain and France.

The two are not related but Alli, 19, claims Dier, 21, has been instrumental in helping him settle at Spurs after leaving MK Dons in the January transfer window.

And he hopes his midfield colleague can follow suit by going on to earn his first senior England cap next week.

Alli said: "I am delighted for Eric. He has been a bit like a big brother to me since I arrived. He has been really looking after me.

"He looks after me on the pitch as well. We have a bit of a laugh and joke about that. He's a great guy and we get on really well off the pitch.

"He's been really welcoming and helped make it really easy for me to settle in. He's not that much older than me. But he's definitely the more mature one."

Alli earned his first cap in last month's 2-0 win over Estonia and came home with a shirt signed by the rest of the team.

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He said: "I've got it at home. All the boys signed it and I'm just waiting to get it framed now. I've still got a lot to learn and it was big place for me to go to do it.

"The other players really looked after me, especially the Tottenham boys. Me and Harry Kane went there in the same car. The FA sorted that out and it made it easier for me.

"He gave me the lowdown on the way about what it was going to be like. If I get some game time again I will be thrilled. If I am selected for the Euros it will be a bonus."

Alli half expected to end up back in the under 21s after being warned not to think he is now an England regular.

But he put his recall down to Spurs and manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has succeeded while giving youth a chance this season.

Alli said: "I'm really proud to get called up again. I would have been happy to play for either age group, but I am happy I have been picked for the seniors.

"It's a great opportunity for me to go and learn from some of the best players.

"I wouldn't say I expected to be in the under-21s. I spoke with the manager before and he let me know how it was.

(Image: GETTY)

"It's a credit to the club. We are playing really well at the minute, as a team and individually. The other boys really deserve it."

Before he can concentrate on England, Alli has the small matter of Sunday's north London derby to worry about.

He said: "We know how much it means, not only to us but the fans as well so we want to go there and get the three points. Whatever it takes to win, we will do it."

The game will be Tottenham's third in six days, and they have had a day less than Arsenal to prepare after playing Anderlecht on Thursday night in the Europa League.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said: "It's true our opponents have an advantage because they have one day more for recovery. But we cannot complain.

"It is very difficult to play Thursday and Sunday. But when you play Monday as well against a very motivated team like Aston Villa and you need to run and suffer a lot, it is one day less to recover.

"You are always late to prepare for the game. We are a young squad and sometimes we run a lot and sometimes the effort we make is a lot.

"But I am not complaining. It is only information you can explain but I do not complain. It is not an excuse. We are very strong in our mind and we are ready to try 100 per cent to win the game."