Tottenham coach Ledley King says Eric Dier deserves an England recall.
The 28-year-old has played a key role in Spurs' top-four finish, expertly marshalling the backline.
Dier hasn't played for England since November 2020, but Tottenham legend King is backing the defender to make a return to the squad.
On Dier, 2008 League Cup-winning captain King told The Sun ahead of a Masters football event in association with Bookmakers.com: "He has been to tournaments before. I think Southgate trusts him.
"I think with his form he deserves it.
"You know, I look around the Premier League and look at the English centre-backs and there's no one that I feel is ahead of him this season.
"I feel like he deserves to be back in the England squad and I think he has great leadership qualities.
"And as I say, he has had an excellent season. I'd expect him to be back in the squad, for sure."