Micah Richards says Eric Dier will be a valuable part of the England squad at the World Cup in Qatar. But his form for Tottenham Hotspur ‘isn’t as strong’ as it was earlier on this term.
Gareth Southgate has taken Dier to the 28-year-old’s second World Cup after playing a key role for England in 2018. The centre-half featured in six of the Three Lions’ seven games in Russia but only started two. He also captained his nation against Belgium during Group G.
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One of Dier’s most important moments was during the last 16 at the 21st edition of FIFA’s quadrennial competition. The 47-cap Cheltenham native stepped up and scored England’s fifth penalty to beat Colombia 4-3 in a shootout after Jordan Pickford denied Carlos Bacca.
Dier has been a part of the England set-up since Roy Hodgson afforded the Tottenham star his debut in November 2015. Qatar 2022 will also be the £4m former Sporting Lisbon ace’s third major international tournament. He started all four of England’s games at Euro 2016.
Southgate did not name Dier in his squad for Euro 2020 last summer. The Three Lions went on to reach the final before losing to Italy. Dier had not featured on the international stage since November 2020 before earning his return against Italy and Germany this September.
A succession of strong showings under Antonio Conte for Tottenham convinced Southgate to recall Dier to England’s squad. He has started 14 of Spurs’ 15 Premier League games this term. The 6 ft 2 ace also started in each of their six Champions League group stage games.
Richards hails Dier’s ‘big’ value for England despite his form for Tottenham fading
Dier impressed Southgate earlier in the term as the England defender offered Tottenham a calm presence in possession. He was also dominant in the air on occasion. But his form hit reverse in more recent weeks since facing Italy and Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
Particularly as Newcastle United travelled south and won 2-1 in north London in October, Dier was a shadow of himself. The former holding midfielder was often nervous on the ball and failed to lead the backline. Dier also almost scored an own goal with a poor back pass.
Richards accepts Dier’s form for Tottenham has dropped despite Southgate naming the 28-year-old in England’s World Cup squad. The former Three Lions right-back also believes the centre-back will be an important part of the Three Lions fold at Qatar 2022 in many areas.
“His form for Tottenham isn’t as strong as it was at the beginning of the campaign but his value to the squad is big,” Richards wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.
“He can play in defence but also has the ability to step into midfield if required. And let’s not forget the courage he showed in Russia when stepping up to take the decisive penalty in the shootout against Colombia.”
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