Side strikingly different

Croatia toward the end of the game, which is as important. All three have a great attitude: they’re brave and direct, and that’s really positive for us.”

As Southgate has constantly reminded us, there are plenty of others blessed with flair providing competition for places. Ross Barkley impressed behind the trio yesterday, but Dele Alli was brought on after the break to provide greater goal threat.

Jesse Lingard made it two goals in two games when he came off the bench, Jadon Sancho got another run-out and Ruben Loftus-Cheek was an unused substitute. And there is a healthy array of youngsters, such as Ben Foden, Mason Mount and Ryan Sessegnon, hoping to be capped soon.

All of the England set-up share the same mindset, as Dier explained: “The team is all about being brave, whoever the opposition might be. To be direct, to be attacking and willing to take risks. It’s what the team will continue to be about. Bravery is key. The manager has said it many times. The base is our attitude, commitment and work-rate — those are the things that have to exist in every game. And then the quality and magic come out on top.

“We have fantastic players throughout in every position. We have fantastic depth. We believe in ourselves and it is up to people to step up in those moments. Individuals have been doing that, the team has been doing that and we have to continue to do that.”