Despite only being a relative newcomer in the England fold with eight caps, goalscorer from last night’s 1-1 draw with Russia, Eric Dier, said he was impressed with the performance.
England opened the scoring in the 73rd minute though Dier’s expertly taken set piece, only for Russia to equalise at the death through captain Vasili Berezutski and deny the Three Lions the three points they thought they deserved.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to get negative about it,” he said.
“Obviously we were disappointed we conceded the late goal but apart from that, I thought it’s the best England performance I’ve played in. I haven’t played in many but I thought it was fantastic.”
Dier played a very similar role to how he lines up for Tottenham Hotspur at club level, but shrugged off suggestions it was made more difficult with covering the attacking-minded Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney.
“I don’t think that’s true (Alli and Rooney did not do much defensively). I think they worked very hard defensively. They make it quite easy for me. It’s a team-effort. The role is very similar to the one I play for my club,” he said.
“That’s what I’m there for…to give them the freedom to go forward. That’s the way I see my job.”
“It starts with Harry (Kane) and ends with Joe (Hart), there’s no one more important or less important.”
The result continued England’s terrible record in opening European Championship matches, having never won their first group match in eight attempts.
They now shift their attention to Wales in Lens on Thursday night, who will be brimming with confidence after their historic 2-1 win over Slovakia.
“It might less of an international game and more of an English game,” Dier said.
“Obviously it’s a massive game for them and for us for many reasons so we are looking forward to it.”
On the free kick finish which came as a bit of a surprise to English fans not having Rooney or Kane line the ball up, Dier said they have been a focus in training.
“I’ve worked a lot on for it many years really not just this week,” he said.
“Wazza (Wayne Rooney) had the first one and he’s the boss. I’m thankful he had the confidence in me to let me take the second one.”
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