Eric Dier will skipper a new-look England side in Friday evening’s friendly against world champions Germany at Wembley Stadium.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is to become the sixth captain of boss Gareth Southgate’s reign and, at the age of 23, the fifth-youngest of the post-war era.
Asked about Dier’s qualities on the eve of the high-profile friendly, Southgate told reporters: “Eric is an established player in the side now. He plays with maturity and intelligence. He understands the game really well. He is also a great role model.
“His approach to everything is very professional. He hardly ever misses a game and plays in an unselfish manner. I think he can be even more of a leader than he currently is and I am hoping giving him this reward and responsibility will also bring even more out of him as well.”
According to Sky Sports News, meanwhile, Swansea City loanee Tammy Abraham will make his senior England debut alongside Jamie Vardy in attack.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek will also win his maiden cap at international level, while Jake Livermore and the returning Danny Rose are also in line to start.
Expected England XI: Pickford; Trippier, Maguire, Stones, Jones, Rose; Dier, Livermore, Loftus-Cheek; Abraham, Vardy
