Tottenham idol ‘surprised’ by Eric Dier development – ‘it’s a strange decision’
Paul Robinson is “surprised” Tottenham defender Eric Dier was not named in the England squad.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one claimed the 28-year-old would have been “perfect” for the system Gareth Southgate is adopting.
Dier was omitted from the England squad once again last month (24 May), with Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori and Ben White the preferred centre-backs.
Coady started in the middle of a back three that lost 1-0 to Hungary on Saturday.
Robinson suggested Dier would have been better suited to the role.
“I am surprised Dier wasn’t included,” he told Football Insider.
“He has had his best season in a long, long time.
“He has been in worse form and has got in the England squad. There has been times in his career when he has not played as well as he is now and he has been in the England squad. That is why it’s surprising.
“If he ever deserved a call-up it was to this squad. He has not done a lot wrong this year for Spurs.
“Alongside Cristian Romero he has improved as a player. He can count himself very unlucky that he was left out of the squad this time. He’s playing some of the best football of his career.
“If Southgate is going to play with three at the back that is perfect for Dier. He’s very comfortable in a back three. It’s a strange decision.”
In other news, a Tottenham idol has issued an emphatic Dejan Kulusevski claim as ‘next level’ footage emerges.