Agbonlahor swipes at Eric Dier after ‘huge’ Tottenham reveal
Eric Dier’s performances for Tottenham justify his place in the England squad but he cannot be trusted in a back four, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Dier does not have enough pace to play alongside just one centre-back.
The 28-year-old earned his 46th England cap and first since November 2020 in the 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday night (23 September).
As quoted by England football last week (22 September), the defender claimed Antonio Conte has had a “huge” impact on his resurgence.
“I do like Eric Dier but I feel like, I wouldn’t play him at centre-half in a two for England because he hasn’t got the pace,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“In a three I wouldn’t mind him in there but Stones, Maguire and Dier, there’s not much to choose between them, they are all similar defenders.
“If England play a three, Kyle Walker’s got to be part of that three. You couldn’t play Stones, Maguire and Dier, there’s not enough speed back there.
“He deserves his call up. We talk about players on form deserving a call up and that’s what Gareth Southgate’s done.
“He’s seen that Dier has got on with his game and deserves the call up he’s got.”
Dier has been an ever-present in all competitions this season and has scored two Premier League goals.
Tottenham have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the league and are currently third, a point behind leaders Arsenal who they play next.
In other news, Daniel Levy has “woken up to a nightmare” at Tottenham after the latest on Conte.