A tall defender capable of playing in the centre or at right-back, Eric began his career with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, after moving there as a youngster with his family. He was then loaned out to Everton by the Portuguese club and his first England call-up came in November 2011 when U18s Head Coach Noel Blake picked him for a game against Slovakia.
He was then selected by Blake for the U19s to feature in the Euro Elite Qualifying Round in May 2012, whilst still a year younger than most of his squad mates.
Dier is also the grandson of former Football Association Secretary Ted Croker.