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.
