Tottenham ace Eric Dier is an extremely versatile player that can be deployed as either a midfielder or a defender, but it appears England manager Gareth Southgate is looking to use him in the latter, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper claims that the England boss wants to trial the 24-year-old as part of a back three over the international break, when the Three Lions will face Holland and Italy in friendlies.
It is understood that the Spurs man could captain his nation in the absence of Harry Kane (injured) and Gary Cahill (dropped), despite him mainly being used as a defensive midfielder in the past by his country.
However, fresh plans are likely to see Dier used in the centre of a three-man defence alongside Manchester City’s John Stones and Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.
England will need to find a new midfield partner for Jordan Henderson if they move the Spurs man back into defence and could experiment during the friendly matches.
OPINION
Dier is regarded as a midfielder by trade, but he has switched between midfield and defence so many times for Spurs that it is difficult to keep count. His versatility makes him a manger’s dream and he is likely to play a key role for England at the World Cup in the summer. It appears that Southgate wants to get a better look at him as part of a back three and there is no doubt he can fill the role. Dier has stepped in numerous occasions for Spurs in defence and has the knowledge to play the position well. He should open up the gap for a Henderson combination with Jack Wilshere, which will definitely give England a far better balance.