Eric Dier is a doubt for Tottenham’s Premier League clash against West Ham this weekend after the defender withdrew from the England squad through injury.
Dier was in contention to start against Denmark tonight but has been removed from the 23-man matchday squad due to a slight hamstring complaint sustained in the 2-1 win over Belgium last Sunday.
Dier’s Spurs teammate Harry Winks has also been left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad along with Tammy Abraham, Michael Keane and Harvey Barnes.
The decision to not play Dier will reassure Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho that Southgate is true to word when he says England “do not risk” players if they’re carrying injuries.
Mourinho has voiced concern over Harry Kane’s workload so early in the season and whether or not starting him for his country is wholly necessary.
Dier has started all four of Tottenham’s Premier League matches this season, operating alongside Davinson Sanchez at the heart of Mourinho’s back four.
Although this appears a precautionary measure by Southgate, if he’s unable to play against the Hammers on Sunday then either Toby Alderweireld will partner the Colombian or Japhet Tanganga could make his first start of the season.
It’s worth considering also that Sanchez has been away with Colombia as they drew 2-2 with Chile in a World Cup qualifier in Santiago on Tuesday night, although the extra 24 hours compared with England’s fixture should allow for travel time and alleviate any potential jet-lag.
But the Dier injury does highlight Spurs’ need for one more centre-back and should any of Mourinho’s main three – Dier, Alderweireld or Sanchez – face a length absence, it leaves them looking very light in that department.
Spurs remain hopeful of signing Swansea’s Joe Rodon before Friday’s domestic transfer deadline with the 22-year-old yet to return from international duty with Wales.
