Everton winger Andros Townsend thinks Tottenham Hotspur defender, Eric Dier, has put Manchester City star John Stones ‘under threat’ for a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Previously, Townsend thinks that Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Stones were sure starters for Gareth Southgate, but he now feels Dier has thrown a spanner amongst the works.
Over the international fixtures, Dier, who earned a recall by Southgate into the England squad, started both games against Italy and Germany in a back three.
Despite the Three Lions suffering defeat at the hands of Italy in Milan, Dier was one of his side’s better players, whilst it was a certain Maguire who stole the limelight, for the wrong reasons, against the Germans.
There are many who feel Manchester United’s captain shouldn’t be anywhere near the set-up given his current situation and he showed just why when he made two mistakes on Monday night at Wembley.
If Maguire’s current situation continues, then it further increases Dier’s chances of starting against Iran for England’s World Cup opener, as Townsend praised the player, both on talkSPORT and on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
“I think he has staked a claim to start in that first game at the World Cup,” said Townsend. “I thought Walker, Maguire and Stones were nailed on and that was the back three.
“But seeing Dier’s performance, he was very assured. He was a leader. He was trying to break lines and play forward. I think he’s moved ahead of one or two. I think Stones’ place is under threat. There was a lot of noise about Maguire, but I think he will start. I just feel Dier will be fighting Stones for that last centre-back spot.
“Eric Dier came in as well (against Germany). Did well. Our best player against Italy. And he was solid against Germany. Has he given Gareth a selection headache or two, which he didn’t expect?”
DIER DESERVES TO START IN QATAR
It’s not like England have been blessed in the centre-back department like they are in the attacking areas, so any strong performances stand out.
Dier is one of those players and he has earned, not just his place back in the England squad, but back in the XI for his performances during the past 12 months.
The former Sporting Lisbon star has perhaps been the best performing English defender and, rather than replace Stones, he probably deserves to start alongside the £48 Man City star (BBC Sport), with Fikayo Tomori also deserving of more minutes.
But it seems as though Southgate will put his head on the chopping block and go with Maguire, regardless.
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