Plan over Tottenham’s Eric Dier a further insult to Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles

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Tottenham star could be used as centre-back by England.

Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles was the controversial omission from the England squad named earlier this month.

Newcastle fans were outraged by Lascelles being left out considering his recent excellent form, and Gareth Southgate’s plan to pick Eric Dier as a centre-back is a further insult to him.

The Times report Southgate plans to select Dier as a makeshift central defender as part of a back three in upcoming friendlies, instead of in his preferred midfield role.

Dier’s best position has proven to be in midfield, and it was here that he played at Euro 2016 and scored in the friendly win over Germany.

The former Sporting Lisbon prospect has been used as a centre-back by Tottenham this season in Toby Alderweireld’s absence, but he has not performed consistently well.

On the form of his centre-back performances alone for Tottenham, Dier should not be starting for England.

Dier is valuable for England due to his ability to play multiple positions and deserves a place in the squad, but with these friendly matches providing opportunity for experimentation, choosing not to give Lascelles an opportunity is harsh.

Tottenham defender Dier has experience with England in his favour, but Jamaal Lascelles will be wondering what more he must do to win Southgate over.