Eric Dier is “grateful” to be again in England’s squad for the World Cup after fearing he won’t ever play for the Three Lions once more following his skip of Euro 2020.

Tottenham defender Dier was a notable absence from Gareth Southgate’s squad for the coronavirus-delayed European Championship in 2021, the place England misplaced within the remaining to Italy on penalties.

Southgate most well-liked the likes of Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Tyrone Mings and Conor Coady at again, though Dier has returned to the fold for Qatar.

England face Iran within the opening match of Group B on Monday and Dier acknowledged that he thought the chance to characterize his nation in a serious event would by no means current itself once more.

I might be mendacity if I mentioned it did not cross my thoughts [that I might not be in England contention again]the 28-year-old mentioned.

“After I missed out on the Euro 2020 squad it was one of many worst moments of my profession.

“I’m grateful to be right here now. I am very happy with myself for a way I managed to combat my means again in.”

Dier has been an ever-present for Tottenham within the Premier League this season, pointing to his “particular” supervisor Antonio Conte as the explanation for his improved type.

“Final season, after the arrival of Antonio Conte, it was among the finest soccer I’ve ever performed, and it has continued this season,” he added.

“I’m having fun with each minute of working with him. He’s a particular supervisor”.

The 32 nations competing within the 2022 World Cup face an unprecedented state of affairs, with the world’s elite leagues occurring hiatus mid-season to permit their stars to compete for glory within the Center East.

“It’s a distinctive state of affairs for us. In a means it is fairly good. Perhaps not for coaches and managers, not best. [for them]Dier continued.

“From a participant’s perspective, fast switching is sweet. We’re right here and we’re getting proper into it. I’m fairly impatient. There are different points that aren’t so good with accidents when usually they’d not have missed a event. I am very excited to get began.”

prepared for the @FIFA World Cup. pic.twitter.com/gCVjLVQ8h3

— England (@England) November 19, 2022

Host nation Qatar has additionally come beneath widespread criticism amid considerations about its human rights report in a rustic the place same-sex relationships are prohibited.

England coach Southgate captain Harry Kane, amongst different senior figures competing within the World Cup, promised to talk, although Dier recommended the gamers had been left in a troublesome state of affairs.

“This can be very troublesome for us as gamers. We all know that these points are going to be addressed, it’s a troublesome state of affairs”, mentioned the central defender.

“When the World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010, I used to be 16 on the time. It is arduous for me to speak about it. As players, we’ve no say in the place we play.

“These selections are made by folks far above us. We’re those who find yourself sitting right here having to reply these questions.

“I’ve the values ​​that my household and people who raised me have given me. We have now been right here a really quick time. For me you will need to reside this expertise. At that time, I will have a greater thought of ​​what to say about it.

“A number of issues have occurred which might be disappointing. As a staff, we stock values ​​wherever we go, however we respect wherever we go.”