‘Really composed’: Andros Townsend wowed by Tottenham player’s international display last night

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier did well on his return to the England starting XI on Friday night.

The Spurs defender was a regular in the England setup following his first cap back in 2015.

Dier had lost his place in the squad in 2021, but he is now back in the fold.

On Friday night, England faced Italy in their Nations League encounter in Milan.

And Gareth Southgate named the Tottenham ace as the central defender in a back three.

It wasn’t a good performance by England as they lost 1-0 to Italy and suffered relegation to League B.

However, Dier was one of the few Three Lions players who could hold their heads high by full-time.

Former Tottenham ace Andros Townsend liked what he saw from the Spurs powerhouse at half-time.

“I think focusing on the positive – I really like the back three, especially Eric Dier,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Really composed, really calm as a real figure.

“He’s communicating well with the two defenders next to him.

“He’s the one that is looking to break lines forward. Always looking to start the England attacks.”

‘Made some vital blocks’

While this was only at half time, Dier kept up his solid performance for the rest of the match.

Sky Sports gave the Spurs ace a 7 out of 10 for his efforts on the night.

‘Looked largely assured in the middle of a back three,’ they wrote.

‘Made some vital blocks towards the end of the first half as Italy began to press again, although was far too easily beaten by Manolo Gabbiadini towards the end of the game.

‘But he did acquit himself well on his first England start in just under two years.’