KANE ABLE TO GO HIGHER & DIER
ERIC DIER broke into a smile when he was asked yesterday if he was surprised by Harry Kane’s bolt from the goalscoring starting blocks.
“It is funny how people still talk about Harry in that way.. that we are supposed to be surprised,” said the England hot-shot’s Spurs team-mate.
“Of course, I’m not surprised.
“It’s been a fantastic tournament for him so far and hopefully he can continue to be a massive part in the tournament for England and show the level he’s shown, and an even better level. I believe he has an even better level as well.
“Harry has been doing it at a consistent level for a long time. He continues to improve, has a fantastic work ethic and attitude and is extremely driven.”
Dier (inset) could count himself just a touch unlucky to completely miss out on the wins against Tunisia and Panama.
He has always appeared to be a particular favourite of Gareth Southgate’s, an idea confirmed by the England coach, even though he preferred Jordan Henderson in the holding midfield role.
Southgate said: “Eric is always a big part of my plans. That’s one of the reasons I’ve asked him to be here today.
“He’s always had a valuable contribution in the meetings about the games. He’s back in the team and he’s very, very important to us.”
Dier’s inclusion was the only item of team news Southgate was prepared to confirm. Kane is likely to start but Marcus Rashford will surely play a part.
And he is one of the few who could put down a marker that might persuade Southgate to alter the winning formula of the first two matches when he tackles the first knockout round next week.
For that match, if he proves his fitness, Dele Alli would come in for Ruben Loftus-cheek but, at the moment, you suspect that would be the only alteration to the 11 that started the rout of Panama.
However, Rashford is understood to be flying in training and Raheem Sterling was one of the quieter performers in Nizhny Novgorod.
If, against Belgium, Rashford announces himself to the tournament, Southgate will have a serious selection dilemma for the biggest game of his blossoming England career.