New England skipper Eric Dier unsure over whether he'll keep the captain's armband against Brazil
Dier had seen clubmates Harry Kane and Harry Winks pull out of the squad due to injury but was named as Southgate's skipper
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eric Dier professed his pride at captaining England in Friday's friendly draw with Germany but admits he does not know if he will lead out the Three Lions against Brazil next week.
The Tottenham midfielder had his first taste of being captain of his country as a much-changed and inexperienced England drew 0-0 in an entertaining game at Wembley.
Of Gareth Southgate's starting line-up only Phil Jones, with 24 caps, was more experienced than Dier as debutants Jordan Pickford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek shone.
Dier had seen clubmates Harry Kane and Harry Winks pull out of the squad due to injury but was named as Southgate's skipper as the England manager continues his policy of not naming a permanent captain.
The 23-year-old anchored the midfield well against a more experienced Germany but - although he was delighted to lead out England - conceded he is unsure whether he will be given the chance to do so when Brazil visit on Tuesday.
"I have no idea. It is a question for Gareth - I couldn't tell you to be honest," he said when asked if he will be captain next time out. "It was a very proud moment for me and my family and everyone who has helped me along the way since I was a little boy.
"I'm very proud and it is something I have aspired to since I was a young boy, there is only one thing better than playing for England and that is captaining England."
Southgate has opted against naming a full-time England captain since dropping Wayne Rooney at the start of his tenure.
Gary Cahill, Joe Hart and Kane have already worn the armband under Southgate and Dier admits he is not sure if he would be considered for the role on a permanent basis.
"Obviously that decision is up to the manager, that is not in my hands," he said. "What is in my hands is to keep working hard, keep improving, keep being me and that decision is up to the manager. I will just focus on what I control and that is my performances and the way I carry myself."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments