Dier unsure over whether he’ll be captain again

ERIC DIER professed his pride at captaining England in Friday’s friendly draw with Germany but admits he does not know if he will lead out the Three Lions against Brazil tomorrow.

The Tottenham midfielder had his first taste of being captain of his country as a muchchanged and inexperienced England drew 0-0 in an entertaining game at Wembley.

Of Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up only Phil Jones, with 24 caps, was more experienced than Dier as debutants Jordan Pickford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek shone.

Dier had seen clubmates Harry Kane and Harry Winks pull out of the squad due to injury but was named as Southgate’s skipper as the England manager continues his policy of not naming a permanent captain.

The 23-year-old anchored the midfield well against a more experienced Germany but – although he was delighted to lead out England – conceded he is unsure whether he will be given the chance to do so when Brazil visit on Tuesday.

“I have no idea. It is a question for Gareth - I couldn’t tell you to be honest,” he said when asked if he will be captain next time out.

“It was a very proud moment for me and my family and everyone who has helped me along the way since I was a little boy.

“I’m very proud and it is something I have aspired to since I was a young boy, there is only one thing better than playing for England and that is captaining England.”

Southgate has opted against naming a fulltime England captain since dropping Wayne Rooney at the start of his tenure.

Gary Cahill, Joe Hart and Kane have already worn the armband under Southgate and Dier admits he is not sure if he would be considered for the role on a permanent basis.

“Obviously that decision is up to the manager, that is not in my hands,” he said.

“What is in my hands is to keep working hard, keep improving, keep being me and that decision is up to the manager. I will just focus on what I control and that is my performances and the way I carry myself.” – The Independent