DIER AND HIGHER

Spurs are facing small fry in Europe when we should be taking on the game's powerhouses, claims Eric

- JOHN CROSS

ERIC DIER claims Spurs should be above the Europa Conference League but admitted they have let standards slip.

The Londoners reached the Champions League final only two years ago but are now facing minnows like Slovenian no-hopers Mura in Europe's third-tier competition.

The England international, who won his last cap almost a year ago, is adamant that, while boss Nuno Espirito Santo has come under fire, the players must take their share of the blame for Tottenham's disappointing start to the season.

The 27-year-old revealed that Spurs stars had a meeting after the thrashing by Arsenal 10 days ago and that was behind their improved performance in the 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa on Sunday.