Dier defends Sterling
ERIC Dier has jumped to the defence of the “incredible” Raheem Sterling, praising England’s No. 10 at a press conference for his attitude, his commitment and his contribution to the team. Sterling has been heavily criticised all World Cup, by fans and in the media. He was surprisingly ranked worse on the BBC website than any other England player for his performance against Sweden last Saturday.
But there has been strong support for Sterling from within the England camp and Dier was forthright in his comments in a press conference in Repino on Monday.
Dier praised Sterling not just for his football but for his solidity in the face of heavy criticism, ranging from an outcry over a tattoo of a gun on his right leg, to showing up one day late to training at St George’s Park, to his inconsistent performances in Russia so far.
“I think, first of all, the way Raheem has handled everything throughout this process, ( pix) IRN from when we met up until now, has been incredible,” Dier said.
“I think the way he goes about his job has been fantastic. His attitude is fantastic. His work ethic is fantastic as well.”
Dier was just as positive about Sterling’s effectiveness on the pitch, saying g that the quality of work he does “so clear ear to see” if you watched England’s games again. Because Sterling has to stretch opponents by running in behind, dribble with the ball and combine with teammates in tight spaces.
“He offers so much to the t e a m,” Dier s a i d. “His willingness to make forward runs. Obviously his quality in possession. He can come short and link the play. He can make runs in behind. Off the ball his work rate is incredible.
“It’s so clear to see if you were to watch back all of our games until now, the importance he has on the team. I think he’s had a fantastic tournament... Hopefully he s at bably r fficult.” ed ke he bia me ith orld
so acter. can continue.” Two years on from Euro 2016 and the shock exit to Iceland, Dier said that England’s success here so far was part of the team trying t o make a mends for that underperformance. “After the Iceland game, we kn knew that things had to change,” D Dier said. “We knew we could never allow t that to happen again. And we could only make amends for that moment at this World Cup. “Nothing else would fix what happened then. That is exactly what we have been trying to do. We have learned from our mistakes. We have made things right. “We have seen the way the country has got behind us and the happiness we are giving out at the same time. We are so close and believe on Wednesday, we can continue this great journey.” – The Independent have shown character, we’ve shown belief and I think that’s what is going to get us over the line in this game.”
Walker also hopes to maintain the good vibes from his Premier League title triumph with Manchester City.
“I have to dream, I have to dream big,” he said. “I said before when I signed for Manchester City, my dream was to lift the Premier League title and I did that.
“For my country, my dream is to lift the World Cup, so the dream is still happening now. I just hope it can continue.”– The Independent