SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop admits it was an honour to make his England under-20s debut.

Bishop was selected between the sticks as the Young Lions brought the curtain down on the Maurice Revello Tournament with a convincing 4-0 victory over Guatemala.

And the teenager could not hide his delight after representing his country.

“It was an honour for me to play for my country but to top it off with a clean sheet feels amazing,” said Bishop.

“For me, the experience was incredible being around a variety of different players from all different clubs with all different attributes I could learn from.

“It was hard at times and testing but a great challenge, and to finish it off with an England cap made it an incredible experience for me and I’m looking forward to seeing what next season holds.”

Bishop, who earned a late call-up to replace Huddersfield Town’s Ryan Schofield in the 21-man England squad, was drafted into boss Paul Simpson’s starting line-up after three group stage defeats in the tournament.

And the Shrimpers’ 19-year-old shot-stopper, who made 21 appearances for Blues last term, was able to keep a clean sheet in the resounding win over Guatemala in France.

All four of the England goals came in the first half, with George Hirst claiming a brace.

Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah and Dwight McNeil, who burst onto the scene with Premier League side Burnley last season, also got their names on the scoresheet.

Bishop will now turn his attentions towards battling it out with Mark Oxley for a regular spot in Southend’s starting line-up.

Shrimpers boss Kevin Bond has already confirmed he is readying himself for an interesting battle for Blues’ goalkeeping position next season.