'England fans, they always find a way!' - Three Lions supporters make themselves heard on the hills of Croatia

Eric Dier hopes that England will not have to play another match behind closed doors any time soon, despite being able to hear a few dedicated Three Lions fans against Croatia.

The Uefa Nations League game at Stadion HNK Rijeka was played in a near-empty ground as the hosts completed a Uefa stadium ban for having a swastika on the pitch during a Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.

However, a group of England fans managed to find a vantage point on a hillside to watch proceedings on Friday night.

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They sang for periods of the game as England played their first-ever match behind closed doors, and Tottenham's Dier revealed their support did not go unnoticed in the goalless draw.

"I could, yes," he replied when asked if the players could hear the supporters. "England fans, they always find a way!

"It was very strange. Obviously you never want to play in that scenario but it is what it is and we have to deal with it.

"I think we dealt with it the best we could and hopefully we don't have to do it again."

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic dodged a question about the appropriateness of the stadium ban, but underlined the importance of social change after his side responded to their 6-0 loss to Spain in their Nations League opener.

"The game was difficult as we expected," Dalic said. "We played much better than in the previous game against Spain.

"It's still not our top level that we want to play at, but it was much better. We were braver and more decisive.

"We were also a little bit lucky with England hitting the post two times, but overall I am satisfied. I think our game organisation was fine.

"The atmosphere is not easy for anybody. It's kind of sad for football.

"But hopefully this was our last time and the next match against Spain is going to be 30,000 people, and it's going to be more fun than today."