Eric Dier Named in England Squad for November Friendlies Against Spain, France

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has been called up to the England squad for friendlies against Spain and France.

The Press Association confirmed his selection on Thursday on Twitter, including details of the full squad:

The defender has been in great form after Spurs' solid start to the new campaign, and he has been rewarded by England coach Roy Hodgson for his consistency.

Dele Alli retains his place with the Three Lions, while Harry Kane and Kyle Walker make it four representatives for the White Hart Lane club.

Manchester United also have four players in Hodgson's selection, as Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all feature.

England travel to Alicante on Friday, Nov. 13 to battle against the Spanish, and then they host the French for the Breast Cancer Care International at Wembley Stadium four days later.

Hodgson spoke about his squad selection on Thursday afternoon and praised both Dier and Alli, per the England squad's official Twitter feed:

Jack Butland continues his development with the international team, selected as one of England's three goalkeepers. First choice Joe Hart and Burnley's Tom Heaton are the others.

The manager lauded the Stoke City stopper, who has been in exceptional form for his club in the past few weeks, and Hodgson believes he can usurp the senior goalkeeper:

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

It is Dier who will steal the headlines after a difficult first year in north London, starting brightly but then fading.

The defender signed a new five-year deal to remain with Spurs after transferring from Sporting Lisbon in 2014, per BBC Sport, and his maturity has won him a call-up.

OptaJoe highlighted how good the player has been this season:

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

Whether Dier currently has the class to make the step up is debatable, but he is a keen talent who applies himself well—both in defence and midfield.

Smalling has established himself as one of the league's form players, and he would create a solid partnership with the burgeoning 21-year-old if selected.

Fabian Delph also returns to the squad after being sidelined for Manchester City, giving Hodgson plenty of opportunity to view his fringe players in two tough friendlies.

There is an air of youth about the coach's selection for the matches, and the likes of Dier and Alli are likely to see game time as Hodgson shuffles the pack.