Tottenham: 'Very surprising' development emerges over 45-cap star at Hotspur Way

Tottenham defender Eric Dier missing out on the England squad is a “surprise”, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The 45-cap Three Lions international enjoyed a fine campaign under Antonio Conte’s guidance, although he was still overlooked by Gareth Southgate for the four Nations League fixtures taking place next month.

The 28-year-old hasn’t been capped by his country since November 2020 but following his form since Conte arrived earlier this season, Dier appeared to be in with a great chance of earning a recall for the games against Hungary, Germany, and Italy.

However, despite dropping Tyrone Mings from the squad, Southgate still picked Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Ben White, Harry Maguire, John Stones and Fikayo Tomori ahead of the Tottenham defender.

Southgate was asked why he wasn’t included, and while he said that Dier has ‘played very well‘ this season, he admitted that other players are ahead of him in the pecking order.

Dier’s impressive upturn in form in recent months helped Tottenham keep 16 clean sheets in his 35 top-flight appearances this season, which proved crucial in their fight for fourth.

Therefore, Bridge has been left stunned that he wasn’t rewarded with a place in the Three Lions squad.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m surprised, very, very surprised. I thought he would be a shoo-in for this England squad, because for me, he’s my player of the year at Tottenham, but Gareth Southgate only seems to appreciate him in a back three.

“But I still believe if there was a World Cup next month, Dier would be in it. I could be completely deluded, although I’m very surprised, especially given how much he valued him at Under-21 level.”

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