Gareth Southgate makes admission about recalling Eric Dier to the England squad

Gareth Southgate has revealed that Eric Dier has been selected in the England squad for next month’s Nations League matches, primarily as a central defender.

The defender was one of three Spurs stars to be named in the 24-man squad for the clashes against Iceland and Denmark, along with Harry Kane and Harry Winks.

Dier missed out on the last England squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kosovo and Montenegro in November 2019 (Sky Sports).

However, the 26-year-old has had a new lease of life since Jose Mourinho moved him to centre-half last season.

Barring the disappointing performance against Sheffield United, the former Sporting man looked extremely comfortable playing in the backline following the restart.

Dier has made it clear that wants to make the position his own and has even admitted his ambition to become one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.

Southgate revealed that he is aware of the Spurs star’s preference to play at the back but admitted that his versatility could also be an asset for the Three Lions.

According to The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, the England boss said on Dier’s selection: “We’ve selected Eric in the squad as a CB in the knowledge that if we needed him to play in midfield, he could do that job for us. When you’re in tournaments, there are times when you need versatility. I know he’s keen to tie himself down as a centre-back.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Given the fact that Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez, Tyrone Mings and Michael Keane have all also made the squad, I suspect Dier has been selected as a cover for defensive midfield rather than as a centre-half. If he does get an opportunity to start as a central defender in one of those two games, I am hopeful that he will make a case as to why he deserves to be first-choice.

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