Wycombe Wanderers youngster Matt Phillips made his debut for England U19’s on Wednesday in their 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland and he is keen for more of the same.
The teenage winger made an appearance as a second half substitute for Noel Blake’s side as they kicked off their Elite Qualifying Round group in Ukraine with a vital win, and Phillips admits that being given the chance to play for his country was a very special moment.
“It’s been a great experience and I’ve loved every minute. I was excited from the moment we went into the changing room, but I can’t describe the feeling when I got the call to go on,” he told wwfc.com.
“It was amazing to come on and make my debut. In fact, it was by far the best moment of my career.”
“I think I did OK, Fifteen minutes isn’t the longest time to change the game, but I tried to make an impression and shut things down and help us keep the lead, which we did,” he said.
“Some of the other boys come away with England all the time and they are used to it, so I’ve just been trying to learn from them.”
Phillips has also been boosted off the field by numerous messages of support not only from his family but from a number of fellow Blues players as well as boss Gary Waddock.
“I’ve spoken to my parents and they were over the moon for me, so proud, and I’ve also spoken to both Dan Fitchett and Lewis Montrose,”
“The gaffer also text me after the game, first of all to say congratulations and then to wish me all the best for the remaining time out here.”
The winger will be hoping for another cap today as England take on Bosnia & Herzegovina knowing that a second win would seriously enhance their prospects of qualifying for this summer’s European Championships.
