Eric Dier was among Southgate’s initial options for England’s opening match at the 2022 World Cup, against Iran, which ended in a thrashing (6-2) for the English in that was also the first duel in Group B. At the end of the match, the former Sporting player, who now plays for Tottenham, spoke about the good start of the Três Leões selection, also addressing the quality of the Portuguese team, which well know by ‘fault’ of the Premier League.

“A very good start for us. Winning the first game like this is good, it’s a shame we only supported two goals”, began by saying the English international, in statements to SIC.

Premier League players in top form?
“I don’t know, I think there are great players across Europe and at the World Cup, anything can happen. There are several connections with players who are doing well.”

World title?
“It’s just the beginning, we’re going game by game. It was good to start like this but there’s a long way to go”

Portugal?
“Very good team, with a lot of talent, there was a transition a few years ago and now they are great players. Many in the Premier League, those at Manchester City, obviously Cristiano Ronaldo, etc. They have an incredible selection, with very good players. Everything is possible for them, as well as for other teams”, he concluded.