Eric Dier believes that playing in empty stadiums has given the players as well as fans some perspective on how much they need each other and expects the dynamic to change when fans are allowed back in.
Fans in the UK have not had an opportunity to attend matches for eight months since the league was first suspended back in March.
Before the pandemic struck, it was not too uncommon for players to be on the receiving end of abuse from a minority of fans, with Dier himself being suspended for four games last season after confronting one of his club’s supporters in the stand of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following the FA Cup defeat to Norwich City.
While the Tottenham defender admitted that there will always be some people who engage in abuse, he insisted that he expected some change when fans are finally allowed back.
“It’s something (abuse from fans) that’s always going to exist,” Dier told The Daily Star.
“The atmosphere in stadiums when fans get back will be incredible and it’s something I catch myself thinking about. I can’t wait.
“I think there will be a little change in dynamic from our side and their side – having gone through this very difficult time. We’ll be able to appreciate how much we both need each other.
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“But I think, unfortunately, those types of things will always exist.”
Fans will be hoping that the restrictions will be lifted before England’s Euro 2021 group clash against bitter rivals Scotland.
The two teams have not met in a major tournament since Euro 1996 and Dier hoped that the game will take place in a packed Wembley stadium.
He said: “We all know the history between England and Scotland – it’s going to be a fantastic game.
“I really hope there can be fans there to witness it because I was lucky enough to play a few years ago in Scotland – and the atmosphere was one of the best I’ve played in.”
When pointed out to the England defender that he currently has 43 caps to his name and that the Battle of Britain could be his 50th game for the Three Lions, he responded: “That would be amazing.
“But I always say in football things change – on an hourly basis. I’m definitely not looking that far ahead.
“That would be a dream situation for me but I have a lot of work to do to get to that point and place.”
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