Dier believes lessons have been learned

Eric Dier has warned England cannot afford to take Lithuania lightly tomorrow and is sure the Three Lions have learned from the chastening Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland.

Such sides have been considered minnows, and England big fish in world football, but Iceland’s stunning run last summer has indicated the gap is closing.

Midfielder Dier played the first half of England’s defeat in Nice last June, as Roy Hodgson’s side made a humiliating tournament exit.

And partly because of that experience, Dier insists England will be ready for anything Lithuania have to offer in this weekend’s World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Looking back to the Iceland experience, Dier said: “Whenever you’re in an England squad you’re going to think about it.

“It’s a painful reminder and it’s a good lesson for the future.

“We can look back on that game and what we didn’t do, and in games like the one on Sunday try to do what we didn’t.”

He added: “It’s going to be a tough game. In all internationals now there’s no really easy games.

“Every team sets up to try to stop us, especially here at Wembley.

“We have to be confident going into it, try to play quick, attacking football and hopefully they won’t be able to handle that.

“It’s key we play with intensity, move the ball quickly. I think we need to be aggressive with the ball, move it quickly, and hopefully create a lot of chances and make it exciting for the fans.”

The Group F game is England’s first qualifier since Gareth Southgate became the team’s permanent manager, and will follow four days on from the 1-0 friendly defeat by Germany in Dortmund.

Chris Smalling was forced out of the England squad through injury yesterday, leading Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson to receive his first call-up.

Southgate will also be without the suspended Gary Cahill and injured Phil Jones, giving him a headache in central defence, a position Dier is capable of stepping into if required.

Eric Dier: may be asked to play in central defence tomorrow.