The UEFA Nations League provided England supporters with a rare reason to express enthusiasm about the two week hiatus from Premier League football on Sunday, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane served to legitimise that pre-match feeling with a late winner against Croatia.
The British media has exploded since Kane stuck out an outstretched leg to convert Ben Chilwell’s free-kick in the 86th minute on Sunday afternoon, with lavish praise being fired in the direction of a handful of individuals, including the match-winner himself.
But amidst the chaotic response of widespread enthusiasm, it is important to look back on key moments which both decided and could have changed the outcome of the game.
Eric Dier has seen his once glowing reputation dwindle in the past twelve months and he did nothing to alter common perception with another alarming performance in England’s anchor role.
It is almost impossible to envisage an England side without Dier at this moment in time due to the lack of alternatives in an ultra defensive-minded position, but his half-hearted approach to dispossessing Andrej Kramaric as he and John Stones sought to prevent Croatia’s opener hinted that even his most fundamental qualities are questionable on current form.
Shortly after England went behind Dier was caught napping on the halfway line by Marcelo Brozovic, and he was fortunate that Croatia failed to capitalise on an opportunity which would almost certainly have relegated the Three Lions.
Both mistakes served to tarnish an otherwise average performance from a player who has plenty to prove if he wants to keep his place in this rapidly improving England side.
In the aftermath of proceedings, BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty delivered his verdict on the England players and he highlighted Dier’s performance as the worst from the starting eleven, awarding him just a 5/10 for his efforts.
This is what McNulty had to say about his performance: ‘Poor performance and was dawdling in his area for Croatia’s goal even if the deflection was unlucky.’
While McNulty has spared Dier some criticism by stating that the deflection was unlucky, there is certainly a case to be made which holds the Tottenham lynchpin culpable for failing to throw his body in the way, or simply to get tighter to Kramaric.
Sure, modern day defensive players need to be acutely aware of the dangers of making challenges inside the penalty area, with attackers all too eager to throw themselves onto the turf before pleading for a penalty, but between Dier and Stones the pair should have squeezed the space which Kramaric eventually penetrated to manufacture his opener.
Dier possesses the ability to anchor England’s midfield for years to come, but his performance against Croatia served as a troubling reminder of how costly momentary lapses in concentration and tiny errors of judgement can be at this level, so he simply must take note of this lesson and ensure that he completes his basic objective to the highest standard in future international appearances.
Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
