‘We are really proud’ – Conte’s wholesome reaction to Dier’s England recall

Antonio Conte has revealed his pride at seeing Eric Dier called up to Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad after two years away from the international scene. 

The latest England squad for the final two friendlies before the Qatar World Cup was announced this afternoon, with Dier joining Harry Kane as the Tottenham contingent.

Dier was included alongside fellow central defenders Harry Maguire, John Stones, Connor Coady, Marc Guehi, and Fikayo Tomori.

The Spurs centre-back has been a revelation since Conte arrived in North London, taking to the sweeper role in a back three like a duck to water – the perfect hybrid between his history as a defender and midfielder.

While Dier was once an England regular and one of the first names on the teamsheet, even wearing the captain’s armband in the past, it has been a long time since he pulled on the Three Lions’ jersey.

On hearing the news, Conte said (Football London): “I’m really pleased because when my players, the national team call them, we are really proud.

“It means we are working really well and we are trying to help the players go with the national team. What I can only tell him is that it can only be the point of start.

“He has to get the possibility of getting to the World Cup, especially with this month and a half we have ahead of the World Cup.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

It would have been ridiculous for Dier to miss out on the England squad this time, given his current form compared to the other English centre-backs. However, I understand that Southgate is only ever likely to play him in the centre of a back three if he wants to deploy that system.

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