The Tottenham midfielder has not been a regular in the England team at this World Cup, having only started the last group game against Belgium, but stepped up for his team when it mattered against Colombia.
The player had come on as a second half substitute and looked to have blown his chance to be England's hero on the night, after he failed to direct a free header at the back post in to goal in the dying minutes of extra-time.
However, after the Colombian side had just missed their last two penalties, it came down to Dier to slot the ball home and send his side through to their first quarter-final clash at a major tournament in 12 years.
"It was a nervous one," he told 'ITV'.
"I've never really been in a situation like that before but felt I had to score after missing the header at the end so I'm just thankful I scored!"
Dier was not the only hero of the shootout, and was quick to praise goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who had been criticised for conceding in England's last match against Belgium but managed to get a strong hand to Carlos Bacca's penalty to give Dier the chance to win it for the Three Lions.
"Jordan (Pickford) is a fantastic goalkeeper and deserves everything," Dier said.
"His attitude is brilliant and he's been brilliant in training and taken it into the game."
England now go on to face Sweden in the quarter-final stage, with the chance to play either Croatia or hosts Russia in the semi-finals.