England’s rising star Eric Dier once again proved his versatility on the big stage, delivering a stunning 60-yard pass that brought fans to their feet. Following his world-class free-kick goal in the opening match, Dier showcased yet another weapon in his arsenal — pinpoint long-range distribution. With 102 completed passes and five long shots, he dominated the field, making it hard to believe he once played as a defender.

One thing is clear: Dier has become Roy Hodgson’s most trusted player. While the manager rotated his starting lineup in all three group matches, Dier remained ever-present, playing all 270 minutes. Former England international Danny Mills highlighted the key matchup before kickoff, saying, “Dier must stay close to Marek Hamšík at all times — he’s Slovakia’s biggest threat.” Last round, Hamšík dazzled against Russia with a goal and an assist. But against England, he was limited to a single shot and just 46 passes, with no key plays — thanks largely to Dier’s rock-solid defensive effort.

But Dier’s impact didn’t stop there. He led England with five shots in open play — more than the entire Slovakian team, who managed only four. In the 39th minute, the Spurs midfielder sent a breathtaking 60-yard pass from deep in England’s half that nearly set up Daniel Sturridge for a one-on-one, only for the striker to hesitate. His vision and technique drew widespread praise in the English media, with even Rio Ferdinand remarking, “What a pass that was.”

Dier completed more than double the number of passes as Hamšík — 102 compared to 46 — with a remarkable 93.1% success rate. He delivered two key passes and five accurate long balls, nearly matching Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, known for his long-range passing. Many compared Dier’s role to a young Beckham during his early Real Madrid days, pulling strings from a deep midfield position.

At one point in the second half, Dier intercepted a pass from Slovakia’s star Vladimír Weiss but then crouched and sat down near the center circle, seemingly in discomfort. For a moment, England fans held their breath. The BBC called it “a potential blow for England,” as Dier is arguably the most irreplaceable player in the squad. With alternatives like Milner lacking finesse, Henderson prioritizing passing over defense, and both Alli and Wilshere being more attack-oriented, no one else offers Dier’s all-around balance.

Fortunately, after a quick stretch on the sidelines, the Tottenham midfielder shook it off and returned to the pitch. Jeetbuzz App Download fans following the action will agree: Eric Dier is quickly becoming England’s backbone, and his absence would be a tough pill to swallow.