Report: How five media outlets rated Dier’s England return out of 10

Tottenham’s Eric Dier was back in an England shirt for the first time in around two years last night as the Three Lions took on Italy in the Nation’s League. 

Gareth Southgate lined up with the same formation Tottenham use at times, with a 3-4-3, featuring Dier as the central sweeper with Kyle Walker on his right and Harry Maguire on his left.

It was a rather uninspiring performance from England as they fell to a 1-0 defeat without creating too many clear chances of their own.

However, it has to be said that Eric Dier’s individual performance was rather impressive considering how long he has been out of the national side.

The Spurs man was confident on the ball, solid in the tackle, and was one of the few defenders willing to find passes through the lines when playing out from the back.

But how did the national media rate him?

Sky Sports – 7/10 – ‘Looked largely assured in the middle of a back three. Made some vital blocks towards the end of the first half as Italy began to press again, although was far too easily beaten by Manolo Gabbiadini towards the end of the game. But he did acquit himself well on his first England start in just under two years.’

Sun – 7/10 – ‘Made a deserved, some would say overdue, return after last England appearance in November 2020. Went about the unglamorous work of, you know, defending, with the minimum of frills and fuss. Important-looking block on Bryan Cristante shot in the first half, nicked ball off same player in second.’

Daily Mail – 6.5/10 – ‘Back in the international fold and did his hopes of staying in the squad no harm despite the loss. One interception to deny Cristante particularly good.’

Guardian – 6/10 – ‘Solid on his first appearance for England since November 2020. The Tottenham defender made some important blocks.’

Evening Standard – 6/10 – ‘Looked calm and assured at heart of back-three on first England appearance in the best part of two years. Didn’t connect with decent headed chance but made crucial clearance in own box to deny Acerbi.’

Spurs Web Opinion:

Eric Dier was probably one of England’s two best players on the night and, despite the lack of creativity, he at least stuck to his own task well and was solid on and off the ball. Deserves to get another go against Germany.

Related Topics