The Everton midfielder hasn't played a competitive match for more than a year after struggling with hip and groin injuries and revealed that he is targeting a return to the Three Lions squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Dele said: "I have a reminder on my phone every single day at 11 o'clock - World Cup 2026.

"People will be like 'he hasn't played in a year' but that's my aim. I know where my level is."

The former Tottenham ace gave an emotional interview to Gary Neville last year where he candidly discussed his traumatic childhood, mental health issues and how he spent time in rehab and is "proud" of the response to the conversation.

Dele said: "When I did that interview, I said it was the best I felt at that time coming out of rehab.

"It has been tough and it's a journey I am on. I am enjoying it.

"When I did it, I said if it helped one person I would be happy, and that is all I wanted from it. The support and reaction I got was overwhelming - I am definitely proud of it."

Dele is out of contract at Everton at the end of the season but is hoping to return to training by the end of the campaign as he looks to get his career back on track.

He said: "It has just been an injury issue - one that I am hopefully getting to the end of. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"I have had to be patient and it has been a long journey with the injury, a lot of ups and downs.

"It has helped me grow even more as a person. To have those opportunities to grow myself, the pain of the injury is something I can channel when I am back."