Tottenham Hotspur player feared he would never play for his country again

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier is firmly back in the England national team setup after earning his place in Gareth Southgate’s 2022 World Cup squad, but he says there was a time he wasn’t sure he would ever play for his country again.

Dier has 47 caps for England now (Transfermarkt) after being recalled for international duty in the most recent Nations League fixtures against Germany and Italy.

Eric Dier
(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Before that, Dier had been absent from the England squad since March 2021, where he was an unused substitute for a triple header of World Cup qualifiers. His last appearance prior to the Italy game in September came against Iceland in November 2020.

It was a long exile for the 28-year-old, but his form at Spurs since Antonio Conte’s arrival was enough to put him back in the picture. Dier played 40 games last season (Transfermarkt), rarely missing a match for Conte, and impressed with his composure and leadership at the back.

It’s been much of the same this year too, with Dier even managing to bag two goals in his 22 appearances this campaign (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Dier explained how hard he has worked to get back into the England squad and how he had almost given up on the idea.

He said: “I am extremely proud to play at my second World Cup. Obviously I am well aware it is a very privileged position to be in. There was a time when I thought I wasn’t going to be in anyway involved with England anymore.”

“I have had to work very hard, fight a lot to get back in. I am very proud of that,” Dier added. “I am proud to be going to another World Cup. I can’t wait. It is going to be an incredible experience. I am really looking forward to being a part of it.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I know Eric Dier has made a few mistakes recently, and honestly, he’s not looked quite as solid ever since that England recall, but he definitely still deserves his chance on the international stage again. At his best, Dier brings experience, and tenacity, and he can be a good ball-playing defender when he stays calm. Let’s hope he recaptures that form of last season again and smashes it in Qatar.

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