>
Eric Dier walked through the entrance to St George’s Park for the first time in almost two years yesterday and his eyes fell on the plaques on the wall.
“I’ve seen they now have a sign in reception for all the people who have made 50 and 100 caps,” said the Tottenham player.
“It would be a dream to achieve that.
“It’s something that was on my mind when I wasn’t on the squad.
‘That irritated me. I would very much like to achieve such a milestone.’
Eric Dier was back in England today to train for the matches against Italy and Germany
Dier has played 45 times for his country but, crucially, not once since appearing in a 4-0 win over Iceland in November 2020.
His roster for the roster of Gareth Southgate for the Nations League matches against Italy and Germany, which represent the final preparation matches for the World Cup in Qatar, is well-timed.
There were times in the past two years when Dier seemed to have no future at Tottenham, let alone England. Dier tried to downplay all that when he spoke.
“It’s gone and gone,” he said yesterday. “It doesn’t affect me in any way.”
Still, Dier is happy to be back and England should be happy to have him back. Dier brings composure, intelligence, experience and versatility to Southgate’s squad at a time when form and fitness have failed some who took his team to the Euro 2020 final at Wembley last year.
Dier attributes his form at Tottenham to current boss Antonio Conte, who has had a big effect
Unsurprisingly, Dier attributes his resurgence to Tottenham coach Antonio Conte. The Italian has restored Dier’s confidence and has also installed a 3-4-3 system that demands a lot from a central defender who is also comfortable when he needs to use the ball.
‘I don’t want to sound like a teacher’s darling, but Antonio has done a lot for me in every way’, Dier explains.
“He was a big influence on me in every way. Tactically, physically, mentally. My whole approach.
“I have never learned so much about football and I have enjoyed it immensely.
“He’s the godfather of that system, so I feel like you’re constantly learning and evolving in it. I think he probably gave me some faith back as well.”
Like everyone else in Southgate’s roster for Friday’s game in Milan and Monday’s game at Wembley, Dier is hoping to get on the field in time to defend a case for Qatar.
The defender has not played for his country since a 4-0 win over Iceland in November 2020
Southgate’s ideal central combination at the World Cup would be Harry Maguire and John Stones, but neither can claim to have had perfect seasons thus far. Maguire is currently not even in the Manchester United squad.
Dier also seems suited to the back three system Southgate often uses – and stands with his manager emotionally, too.
Part of Southgate’s team that made it to the last four of the last World Cup – he scored the winning penalty in the last 16 shoot-out against Colombia – Dier’s subsequent fall was sharp.
It wasn’t until he wasn’t part of last year’s Eurovision squad that he thought about his future, but even that feeling was fleeting, put into perspective by the events of the tournament’s opening weekend.
Gareth Southgate has plenty to think about as he contemplates choosing his World Cup squad soon
“Not going to the European Championship – maybe I didn’t know at the time what would happen next,” he mused.
“To be honest, when I think of the euro, the first thing that comes to mind is what happened to Christian [Eriksen].
“I’ve been extremely lucky in my life because I’ve never really lost anyone close to me. That was just a really bad day.
“I was watching on television – I can’t really talk about it, man. It was heavy. He was a good friend of mine. Luckily he IS a good friend of mine.’
Dier was notified by the FA last week of his recall from Southgate’s side. As aspiring rookie Ivan Toney told yesterday of an emotional appeal to his family to break the news, Dier’s countenance was a little more subdued.
England players were happy to see Dier back in the fold, including Reece James (right)
For example, when asked about his difficult Spurs season under Jose Mourinho in 2020-21, he presented the rightmost bat.
“I really don’t want to go there,” he said. “I don’t think it’s any use going back there for anything.”
However, Dier is happy to be back in St. George’s. He even poked fun at it a bit.
“I think I’ve reached my best level in my career,” he said.
“I think I’m getting better and I think I can get better.
‘And yes, I’m very happy. I know I don’t look happy, but I’m very happy to be back!
‘I am very proud. I just don’t like to dramatize it.
“I just play football, you know?”