GARETH Evans admits he is still pinching himself after fulfilling every schoolboy's dream by representing his country on Monday.
The Calne Town goalkeeper played 45 minutes for an England non-league XI in a match in Jersey to mark the centenary of the Channel Island's FA and returned with memories that will stay with him forever.
The squad included players from all over the non-league pyramid, with the exception of the Conference League, and Evans, 22, described it as a "once in a lifetime experience."
He said: "When we arrived we were all in the same boat because hardly anyone knew each other so it was all very nerve racking.
"We then had a team meeting where we were handed our England track suits and our centenary training kit and it was then it started to sink in that I was going to represent my country.
"We then went to the stadium for a training session and Mick Payne, the English non-league goalkeeping coach, looked after the keepers and it was a really good experience."
Evans was introduced to the action at half-time and despite conceding the goal in a 1-1 draw he was not about to let anything ruin the trip.
He said: "It is probably the best thing I will ever do in my footballing career and something that will stay with me forever.
"To see your England shirt hanging up in the changing room for you was unbelievable. It is difficult to put into words.
"We were also allowed to keep our gear and were awarded with medals after the game.
"Not many people get the chance to play for the country and I am very proud to have earned that chance."
Evans moved to Calne Town earlier this season from Melksham Town and a string of stunning performances between the posts helped Calne win promotion to the Screwfix League top flight.
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