KANE POSES A DIER THREAT
Why are people surprised by Harry’s hot streak, asks his Spurs pal.. it’s lasted for years and he can still go up to another level
IT was hard to tell whether it was Eric Dier’s game-face or whether it was the disappointment of not playing a minute of England’s rollicking start to World Cup 2018.
Either way, he cut a serious figure after being summoned by Gareth Southgate to talk publicly ahead of the final group game against Belgium. Exuberant, he wasn’t.
When Southgate whispered news of Germany’s demise to him – the final whistle was blown in Kazan a couple of minutes after the England manager took his press conference seat – his response was deadpan.
Yet there was one moment when Dier rocked back smiling (right), laughing almost – when he was asked 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,” he said, almost mockingly. “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.”
It is hard to believe Kane can step up another gear but, as his Tottenham clubmate of the past four seasons, Dier should know better than most.
“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,” he said.
Those qualities run through this England squad and are exemplified by Dier himself. That is why he could count himself just a touch unlucky to completely miss out on the wins against Tunisia and Panama. Dier (below) has always appeared to be a particular favourite of 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 slightly alter the winning formula of the first two matches when he tackles the first knockout round on Monday or Tuesday.
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.
It is one he hopes the likes of Rashford, and Dier, will give him in Kaliningrad tonight.