From an England perspective, there was a lot to enjoy in the tremendous 3-2 victory over Spain on Monday.
For starters, England actually beat a top team, away from home too, made even more impressive by the fact that their opponents hadn’t lost a competitive match on their own patch in 38 games dating back to 2003.
The electric Raheem Sterling ended his international goal drought in sensational style, Marcus Rashford continued his fine recent goalscoring form for his country, and arguably best of all was THAT challenge from Eric Dier on Sergio Ramos which sent social media into a frenzy.
It was a truly remarkable moment and one that many fans loved.
Now, Dier has revealed just what Ramos said to him after he sent the Spaniard crashing to the deck.
“He (Ramos) just congratulated me. I just think the ball was there to be won and I think I won it. I don’t think it was a foul or a yellow card, really,” said the Spurs player.
“It’s important to respect them (Spain), but at the same time, once we start the game, it’s every man for himself and we have to put our foot down, put a marker down and be aggressive.
“Still with respect, but we have to be aggressive, be on the front foot and show that nothing is going to intimidate us.”
Dier’s display was so impressive that former England manager Sam Allardyce even compared the 24-year-old to Sergio Busquets.
England return to the frame next month when Gareth Southgate’s men face United States in an international friendly followed by their final Nations League group game at home to Croatia.
The Three Lions will seal a place in the next round should they beat the Croatians and Spain fail to beat the 2018 World Cup finalists.
