People in Cheltenham are preparing to cheer local hero Eric Dier as he prepares for his second World Cup for England next week.
Gareth Southgate announced his 26-man squad for the tournament recently. With familiar faces such as Captain Harry Kane and young talents such as Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. Included in the list is one player who is back in the squad after an 18-month long break from the Three Lions.
Eric Dier, the defensive midfielder of Tottenham Hotspur has been called up to represent England this winter for his second World Cup in his professional career following his first in Russia 2018.
Dier was born in Cheltenham and spent seven years here before moving to Portugal and kickstarting his football career. He isn’t the only sporting member of his family with his father, Jeremy, being a former professional tennis player. In addition, his grandfather, Ted, was a former secretary of the Football Association and the former president of Cheltenham Town FC.
Dier’s first World Cup spell saw him score the decisive penalty in the round of 16 match between Southgate’s side and Columbia, sealing England’s first penalty shootout win since the Euros in 96. He also captained the Three Lions in their final group stage match against Belgium.
Speaking to people in Cheltenham today, they expressed their excitement to see a local lad representing the country yet again at the highest level. “I feel like Eric Dier being born in Cheltenham is quite a big thing, especially being in the England squad.”
“It’s good to see a Cheltenham-born lad in the team”. Many people were also keen to see him in action and described him as a ‘perfect selection’. “I can’t wait to see him play.” Southgate’s side are set to land in Qatar after a send-off from Prince William.
