Ex-Arsenal man predicts Southgate held ‘behind closed doors’ talks with Spurs man

Former Arsenal striker, Kevin Campbell, has admitted that he is bewildered by Gareth Southgate’s decision to call up Eric Dier to the England squad.

Dier has been a mainstay in the England squad for the past five years and is now nearing 50 caps for his country.

While the Tottenham star started the season well and looked certain to be on the plane for the Euros until the turn of the year, his form has plummeted over recent months.

The 26-year-old has made more than his fair share of mistakes at the back and has subsequently fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho.

However, Dier kept his place in the England squad for the on-going World Cup Qualifiers which also represent some of the final matches for Southgate to see his stars in action ahead of the Euros.

Campbell believes that the England boss may have already conveyed to the Spurs star that he is not going to be on the plane for the Euros.

When asked about Dier’s inclusion for the Three Lions squad, the former Gunners forward told Football Insider: “Eric Dier, do me a favour. He’s not even a centre-half.

“Maybe he’s having a look at him. Maybe he’s spoken to Michael Keane and said: ‘Look, don’t worry, I know what you can do so I’m just going to have a look at Eric Dier.’

“Maybe he’s told Dier the situation too. That does tend to happen behind closed doors. It’s just part of football.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Based on performances this season, Dier is certainly lucky to get in ahead of the likes of Michael Keane and Ezri Konsa. However, Southgate is clearly trying to find a balance between having some continuity in the squad and also playing players in form.

That is perhaps why he has stuck with defenders like Dier, Mings and Coady , who he knows well, rather than introducing the likes of Konsa and Godfrey into the squad just ahead of a big tournament. I believe Dier has a good chance of being in the squad for the Euros.

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