‘He’s not top level’ – Paul Robinson offers blunt assessment on Spurs central defender

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has admitted that Eric Dier’s future with the England national team looks to be bleak.

Gareth Southgate decided to overlook the Spurs central defender for the Three Lions’ friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast and instead decided to pick an out of form Harry Maguire and the first inclusion for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

Dier admitted in an interview with the Evening Standard last week that he believes he is having his best season to date in a Spurs shirt, claiming his consistency has never been so good.

The 28-year-old, who has captained England in the past, has not played for his country since a 4-0 Nations League victory over Iceland in November 2020 and now finds himself behind the likes of Tyrone Mings and Conor Coady in the pecking order.

Robinson believes that despite Dier’s good form, he is not a top class defender and would not hold down a place in the backline of any of the top four.

He told Football Insider: “Dier is playing the best he ever has, so if he is not getting in the squad it is because players are better than him. It doesn’t bode well for his future chances.

“When you look at the top four sides, he doesn’t get into any of those teams as a centre-half.

“He has come on a lot this year. He has probably had his best season for the club. I don’t think he’s world class though. He’s not top level.

“When you look at the players England have got in that position, you wouldn’t put him in front of them despite the fact he’s had a great season. The fact that he is being overlooked begs the question over whether he can get back in.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Robinson’s view on Dier’s quality appears to be harsh when he claims he would not get in any of the other top four.

Dier has been a far better defender than Ben White and Harry Maguire this season, however, it appears that his time in Southgate’s plans are well and truly over.

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