Tuesday 14 May 2019 10:43, UK
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier is hoping to be named in the England squad for the Nations League after recovering from a series of injuries.
After an impressive start to the season Dier suffered a number of setbacks, including being sidelined three times through illness and injury between December and April.
An operation to remove his appendix and a hip injury during England's 5-0 win over the Czech Republic in March stalled Dier's campaign, but after returning to full fitness in recent weeks, the 25-year-old is eyeing a return to the international fold.
"It's been a very frustrating four of five months since my operation but this is football, these things happen," he said.
"I look at it two ways because I think I've been very lucky to have had four seasons here at Tottenham with no injuries and always being available to play.
"I feel very good and now I'm just trying to look forward to help the team win in whatever way I can and to try and finish the season as strongly as possible [in the Champions League final]. Hopefully I'll be available for the national team after that."
Gareth Southgate will name his squad for the Nations League on Thursday and Dier, who has 39 caps and three goals for England since making his debut in 2015, is hoping to put his recent misfortunes in the past.
"I think everyone always goes through a period like this at some point where something unfortunate happens. It's been difficult since the operation and a bit stop-start with illness and injury.
"There's still a long way to go. Hopefully I can put all of those things behind me."
England play the Netherlands in the Nations League semi-final on June 6, live on Sky Sports Football. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.