Southgate keeps captain Dier hanging

England’s Eric Dier 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 this week.

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

Of Gareth Southgate’s starting lineup, only Phil Jones, with 24 caps, was more experienced than Dier as debutants Jordan Pickford and Ruben Lof- tus-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 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 hon- est,” 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.

“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 full-time England captain since dropping Wayne Rooney at the start of his tenure.