Tottenham’s Eric Dier admitted it was a “strange” experience playing in front of an empty stadium for England but felt Gareth Southgate’s change of formation suited him.
Dier did a solid job in midfield as England drew 0-0 with Croatia to pick up their first Nations League point.
Boss Southgate switched to a back four, leaving out Dier’s Spurs team-mate Kieran Trippier and selecting former Tottenham man Kyle Walker at right-back.
“It was strange, I think it was the first experience of it (playing behind closed doors) for all of us,” Dier told Sky Sports.
“It was a strange atmosphere, although there were a couple of England fans up on the hill, but once the game started it went to the back of our minds, actually.”
Dier, who went close to scoring, added: “I think the change of formation suits me well and works to my characteristics, and the team did well in it today. It’s important for us as a team to have that flexibility and play in different formations.
“I am always going to give my best when I play and I thought I’d scored. I thought it was going in but it skidded off the grass and on to the post.”