Spanish clash rekindles debut memories for Dier

Eric Dier is back where it all started in an England shirt.

The midfielder is with the England squad for a UEFA Nations League match against Spain in Seville – approaching three years since he first stepped out for the Three Lions against the same opposition in Alicante.

Eric, 24, came off the bench with friend and team-mate Dele Alli after 63 minutes of a 2-0 defeat in that friendly at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez on 13 November, 2015.

He’s been a mainstay of the national team ever since with 35 caps and three goals including appearances at Euro 2016 and helping Gareth Southgate’s men to the semi-finals of the World Cup. He’s also proudly captained the team on five occasions.

However, he’ll never forget the moment he entered the fray for his debut with Dele.

“It was amazing, a special moment for me,” Eric reflected. “It was with Dele as well, so that was nice. We came on at the same time. I’m really looking forward this one. I’m sure it will be a fantastic game to watch. We’ll see what happens.”

Before leaving for international duty, Eric’s first Premier League goal since April 2017 ensured we took all three points against a resolute Cardiff side at Wembley – in doing do, equalling our best start in the Premier League era.

He’s started eight of our 11 matches in all competitions so far this season. “I’ve felt very good every day since I’ve been back, physically I’m in a very good place,” he added.

“I can always play better and I’m trying to do that every week, like everyone else, like the team. We know we can do better and we’ll continue to work hard to do that.”

This week's international action

Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier and Harry Winks are with Eric and the England squad for tonight's UEFA Nations League encounter.

Here is how the week is shaping up in terms of our players on international duty...

Monday 15 October

Eric Dier, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier and Harry Winks – England away UEFA Nations League match against Spain – kick-off 7.45pm

Tuesday 16 October

Heung-Min Son – South Korea home friendly against Panama – kick-off 12pm
Serge Aurier – Ivory Coast away Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Central African Republic – kick-off 3pm
Toby Alderweireld – Belgium home friendly against Netherlands – kick-off 7.45pm
Ben Davies – Wales away UEFA Nations League match against Republic of Ireland – kick-off 7.45pm
Lucas Moura/Juan Foyth – Brazil friendly against Argentina in Saudi Arabia – kick-off 6.45pm
Hugo Lloris – France home UEFA Nations League match against Germany – kick-off 7.45pm
Josh Onomah and Kyle Walker-Peters – England Under-21 away European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Scotland – kick-off 5.30pm
TJ Eyoma – England Under-19 home friendly against FYR Macedonia – kick-off 2pm
Troy Parrott – Republic of Ireland Under-19 home European Under-19 Championship qualifier against Netherlands – kick-off 1pm
Maxi Tainio – Finland Under-19 away European Under-19 Championship qualifier against Estonia – kick-off 1pm
Dennis Cirkin – England Under-17 home friendly tournament match against Brazil – kick-off 7pm

Wednesday 17 October

Cameron Carter-Vickers – USA home friendly against Peru – kick-off 12.30am
Davinson Sanchez – Colombia away friendly against Costa Rica – kick-off 1am