Dier ‘grateful’ to be back with England after Euro 2020 omission

Eric Dier is once again back at the England squad in a major tournament after being left out for the likes of Mings, Coady, Stones, Walker and Maguire in the Euro 2020. The

defender is feeling “grateful” for being included in the 2022 World Cup squad and has described the Euro 2020 snub as one of the “worst moments” of his career.

"I'd be lying if I said that didn't cross my mind [that I might not be in

contention again],"

Dier said.

"When I missed out on the Euro 2020 squad that was one of the worst moments of my career.

"I'm grateful to be here now. I'm very proud of myself how I managed to fight my way back in."

The 28-year-old defender picked the “special” Antonio Conte as one of the main reasons of his recent resurgence and the subsequent England call-up, saying:

"Last season after Antonio Conte arrived that was some of the best football I've played – and it has carried into this season.

"I'm enjoying every minute of working with him. He's a special manager."

Dier continued by appreciating the fact that the World Cup is in the middle of the season rather than in the summer by saying:

"It's a unique situation for us. In some ways it's quite nice. Maybe not for the coaches and managers - it's not ideal [for them].

"From a player's point of view, the quick turnaround is nice. We're here and just getting straight into it. I'm quite impatient. There are other aspects that aren't so great with injuries when they wouldn't usually have missed a tournament. I'm very excited to start."

As with many interviews lately, the conversation wasn’t that far from the underlying issues, particularly human rights issues, related to the Qatar World Cup and Dier admitted that it is hard for players to talk about such things and that the decisions are made by people above them.

"It's extremely difficult for us as players. We know these topics are going to be addressed - it's a difficult situation,"

Dier said.

"When the World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010, I was 16 at the time. It's difficult for me to talk on it. As players, we have no say on where we play.

"Those decisions are made by people way above us. We're the ones who end up sitting here having to answer these questions.

"I carry the values I've been given by my family and those who educated me. We've been here a very short time. For me, it's important to live this experience. At that point, I'll have a better idea of what to say on it.

"A lot of things that are disappointing have happened. As a team we carry values wherever we go – but we respect everywhere we go."

Follow 

 for the