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Eric Dier says he 'put a marker down' on Sergio Ramos in England's win over Spain

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Eric Dier's thumping challenge on Sergio Ramos after 11 minutes set the tone for England's 3-2 Nations League victory in Spain.

England midfielder Eric Dier believes he "put a marker down" with his crunching challenge on Spain defender Sergio Ramos on Monday night.

Dier was shown a yellow card for the 11th-minute tackle on the Spain captain inside the hosts' penalty area - much to the dismay of the Tottenham man.

But the incident seemed to set the tone, with England taking control of the first half as two goals from Raheem Sterling and a Marcus Rashford strike had Gareth Southgate's side 3-0 up at the interval.

Spain rallied after the break, with substitute Paco Alcacer pulling a goal back before Ramos grabbed a second with the last touch of the Nations League contest as the visitors secured a famous 3-2 success.

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Highlights of England's historic 3-2 win against Spain at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

While most of the talk was rightfully about England's outstanding attacking prowess, Dier's challenge earned plenty of plaudits.

Dier, too, felt it showed that England would not be intimidated by a side who had not lost a competitive home game since 2003.

"I think it's really important that we respect our opponents and Ramos is one of the best of all time, really," he said.

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"It's important to respect them, 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.

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A look at Sergio Ramos' eventful evening for Spain as they lost 3-2 to England in the UEFA Nations League.

"That's just as important as playing good football and all the other aspects. I think Ramos is a great example of that.

"He does everything so well, but at the same time he puts his foot down and he's not going to be bullied. We have to be the same way."

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