U19s defender Eric Dier taking every Euro experience with him.
By Nicholas Veevers in Tallinn
Eric Dier admits he wants England's Euro adventure to stretch on as long as possible, as he gains more and more international experience for the future.
The Sporting Lisbon player only made his England bow earlier this season for the U18s before he was elevated into Noel Blake's U19 squad for the Elite Qualifying Round in May.
Three solid performances in those games played a crucial role in the Young Lions reaching the Finals in Estonia and with only two games remaining in the group stage of the competition, his motivation to progress is clear.
“The Finals were always the target and we want to go as far as we can," he said.
“With more games under my belt, I can only get fitter and more experienced on this stage and I feel as though I’ve done okay so far.
“The next game is always the biggest though and that’s what we’re concentrating on right now."
England take on Serbia in Rakvere on Friday afternoon, with the squad now in their final preparations for that match, following swiftly on from the opening day draw with Croatia.
After a slow start in that match, England improved as the game went on and both Blake and the squad will be looking to see that ascendancy continue against Serbia.
Dier is still taking in all he can ahead of a return to Portugal after the Finals have concluded, when he hopes his career can continue to progress further.
Born in Cheltenham, but raised in Portugal, Dier has been with Sporting's renowned Academy since a young age but has spent the last 18 months on loan with Everton, where his education has continued in English youth football.
He's now set to return to the Portuguese giants for next season, where he expects to feature for their newly created Sporting Lisbon B Team in the second division of the national league.
“It’s been good and I’m still learning a lot all of the time," he added, with regard to his time in the England set-up so far.
“I’m still relatively new to international level, I only played my first game this season, but I’m really enjoying it and the experience.
“I can still play for the U19s next season as well, so hopefully I can take what I learn here into the next season."
Dier also spoke to the BBC World Service 'World Football' show ahead of the Euros, where he looked at his career growing up at Sporting and his ambitions for the future. You can listen to that by clicking here, and selecting the show uploaded on Friday 29 June. Eric's interview commences at the 17 minute mark. Available for one month only.