Gareth Southgate has told Sky Sports that Tottenham defender Eric Dier reacted in a ‘really professional way’ after being snubbed by England.
On Tuesday, Southgate named his 33-man provisional squad for the forthcoming Euros, with Tottenham’s Dier missing out.
Even though Dier has been a regular with England in recent years, it seems this season’s performances in Tottenham colours have cost him.
Southgate shared that Dier is an ‘outstanding’ individual but he just hasn’t been good enough to warrant a place in the squad.
“He’s a man who I have tremendous respect for,” said Southgate. “He has been a key player on some of our biggest nights and biggest moments.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think his season has been strong enough to be in the squad and that’s a difficult call because I know how much he brings to the whole group.
“When you are away at a tournament, those team players and those that put the team first are critical. So, that wasn’t an easy conversation.
“But he’s an outstanding professional and he took the news in a really professional way.”
In truth, Dier was lucky to be named in the England squad that took part in the World Cup qualifiers in March.
And given that Ben White and Ben Godfrey have earned debut calls now, they should have been called up in his place back then because at least they would have got a taste of what it’s like before the big show arrives.
Of course, they have to be named in the final 26-man squad but it wouldn’t be a surprise if at least one of them is named in that final squad.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
