Report reveals Tottenham squad’s stance on Southgate’s ‘strange’ Eric Dier snub

Gareth Southgate has not contacted Eric Dier to explain his decision to leave him out of the latest England squad which has left some of his Tottenham teammates baffled, according to The Athletic. 

Dier put together a strong campaign for Spurs this season and became a key member of Antonio Conte’s defence en route to helping the club return to the Champions League. 

The 28-year-old was a big reason why Spurs conceded just five goals in their last 11 Premier League games as they secured a place in the top four at the expense of rivals Arsenal. 

But Dier’s commanding displays were evidently not enough to earn him a call-up back to the England fold for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Hungary, Italy and Germany. 

Southgate explained the decision was a tactical one while suggesting Dier can only play in a three-man defence – despite regularly setting the Three Lions up in such a manner (BBC Sport).

With the central defender snubbed, The Athletic report that his Spurs colleagues want to see him back on the international stage with England and believe his efforts deserved to be recognised.

However, the report also adds that Southgate has not contacted Dier to explain the reason behind the snub – a decision which some at Spurs have found ‘strange’. 

Dier’s last England call-up came in March last year when he was left as an unused substitute in World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino and Poland respectively.

Meanwhile, his last appearance came in a 4-0 win over Iceland in November 2020 in the Nations League group stage (Transfermarkt). 

Spurs Web Opinion 

Southgate’s decision is still pretty baffling considering Dier has barely put a foot wrong this season and was a big reason why Spurs were able to end the campaign so well. 

Dier’s teammates know more than anyone else how well he has played, and judging by their reaction to the snub, it shows he should not have been overlooked in this way.  

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