Whether heading to Qatar or charging into the crowd, Eric Dier thinks he carries his principles with him. An England recall is well-timed for a footballer who believes he is in the form of his life and a thinker who wants to understand the issues in the World Cup’s host country. “From my point of view, wherever I go in the world as an individual I’m going to carry the same values no matter where it is,” he said.
Dier can be a man of action as well as words. His insight into fan misbehaviour and intimidation of players’ families stems from personal experience. He is the grandson of Ted Croker, a former secretary of the Football Association, and was banned by the FA for four games in 2020 for venturing into the stands to defend his brother, Patrick, when he was insulted by Tottenham fans.
