Other countries will dread the prospect of facing England in the Euro 2016 knockout rounds, midfielder Eric Dier has said, despite his side’s failure to secure top spot in Group B.
After a goalless stalemate against Slovakia on Monday, England were overtaken by Wales and will next face Group F runner-up Iceland in a Round of 16 tie in Nice next Monday.
“Of course we couldn’t win them all but in general our play has been very positive, and I am sure there are plenty who won’t want to face us,” Dier told reporters in France, where England also drew against Russia before beating Wales. “We shouldn’t be fearful of anyone that’s the wrong word. We’ll wait and see, but we should not fear anyone.”
England goalkeeper Joe Hart echoed Dier’s sentiments and praised the performances of his side in the tournament. “We’re going to look to build on three good performances. Result-wise it’s not been great but performance-wise, I don’t think anyone will be looking forward to playing us.”
However, Iceland captain Aron Gunnarsson said he would relish the prospect of taking on England. “Playing against England in a finals would be something special. It would be a dream for every Icelander. We have always looked towards England in the finals,” Gunnarsson, who plays in the second tier of English football with Cardiff City, said.
“The Premier League is the most watched league in Iceland and the most talked about. It would be memorable.”