Gareth Southgate has stated that Eric Dier "deserved" his England recall. A regular in the Three Lions reckoning following his first international cap back in 2015, the 28-year-old unfortunately lost his place in the squad at the start of 2021.
Despite his move to centre-back and impressing under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte, Southgate elected against recalling the player and instead opted for some fresh faces in his England centre-backs plans. Going from strength-to-strength for Conte in 2022/23, this time Southgate had no option but to name the player in the Three Lions squad after flourishing in Tottenham's back three and delivering some standout performances.
"With Eric Dier, he has been playing well for a period of time," explained the England boss when discussing his squad selection. 'We think it is a really close call across our centre-backs and he has deserved to be picked back in the group.
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"We know what a good character he is. He fits in with the culture and has great international experience and leadership qualities."
The news of Dier's recall went down extremely well with club boss Conte, who revealed all at the club are always "really proud" when one of the team earns international recognition. However, he made it clear in his pre-match press conference that it is only the start for his centre-back as he looks to earn a place in England's World Cup party.
"First of all, I'm really pleased because when my players are called up to the national teams, we are really proud. Because it means we are working very well, and we are trying to help the players to go with the national teams," said the 53-year-old.
"In this case for Eric it was a really good achievement for him, but what I can only tell him is that this has to be a point of start. That he has to gain the possibility to go to the World Cup, especially in this month and a half that we have before the World Cup. To continue to play well, to have a good performance, to show he has really good stability, that he is a really reliable player.
"And what I can tell him is only this - continue on this way, to continue to work hard and have this concentration. For the rest, I think my staff and I and teammates are very happy for this call up to the national team."
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