SOUTHEND United youngster Nathan Bishop says he loved every second of his spell training with England.

The highly rated 17-year-old goalkeeper spent four days training with the Three Lions squad in the build-up to the Toulon tournament.

And Bishop felt it was the best possible way to end his season.

“It was crazy to be training with England and I loved being a part of it all,” said the shot-stopper.

“I had only watched the FA Youth Cup final a couple of days before so to suddenly be out there training alongside some of those Chelsea players was really surreal.

“But to be among a group like that was brilliant.

“I loved every second of it and it was by far the best way to have ended the season.”

Bishop - who has been with the Shrimpers for the past year and a half - was one of three goalkeepers to train with the England squad made up of players from the under 18, 19 and 20 age groups.

And he jumped at the chance to be involved.

“Ricky Duncan (Blues’ head of youth) rang me up and asked if I wanted to go and I immediately said yes,” said Bishop.

“I couldn’t wait to get there and I was able to settle in straight away because the training sessions were really similar to the ones I had done with Terry Mason at Southend.

“I really enjoyed being a part of it all and it was great to get to know everyone as well.”

Bishop’s involvement came after a superb season with Southend which saw him shine for the club at under 18 and under 21 level.

The custodian was also on the bench for two League One games and, along with team-mate Dru Yearwood, became the first ever first year scholar to be awarded the third year of his contract.

But Bishop is already looking to secure more success next season.

“I was pleased with how last year went but I want the next one to be even better,” said the goalkeeper.

“I want to try and progress more with Southend and move higher up the system if I possibly can.

“I’ll be working hard to try and make that happen and, having had a taste of being with England, it would be amazing to be able to experience it again.

“That’s obviously another target for me.

“But first and foremost it’s all about doing well for Southend in all of the matches we will play next season.”