WANDERERS starlet Matty Phillips says the last two weeks of July will be the biggest of his sporting life after making the cut for the England U19 squad taking part in the European U19 Championships in France.

Phillips spent four days on an England training camp last week, after which the provisional squad of 23 was cut to 18.

He said: “I got a text after training on Monday saying I made it and I’m buzzing now.

“It’s going to be the highest level I’ve ever played at so I can’t wait to start.”

Phillips will be rubbing shoulders with the brightest young talents from Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but he has already proved he belongs in such illustrious company and coming from nowhere to secure his place in the squad.

He was originally named on the standby list for the Elite Tournament in Ukraine, and was all set to go on holiday when he got the call telling him he’d been promoted.

He grabbed the chance with both hands with a goal on his first full start and returned to Adams Park with warm reviews from the coaching staff ringing in his ears.

His form in Eastern Europe earned him a place in last week’s provisional squad, and he showed enough in those four days to make the final 18.

He said: “I didn’t want to do anything different, I just wanted to play my own game and I thought I did alright.

“They play a lot quicker to what I’m used to at club level, their movement is really fast, but I felt I did well. I think I fitted in.”

And Blues boss Gary Waddock believes the experience will only improve Phillips.

He said: “I’m very pleased for him and his family. He’s done fantastically well to get into a squad like that.

“Sometimes you have to take your opportunities when they’re there and credit to the lad, he’s done that.

“Now he’ll go away and will learn from mixing with those sorts of players and from the coaching he’ll get out there.

“And his confidence will get a major boost as well, and it’s all about confidence.”

And Waddock believes this could be just the start for Phillips.

He said: “He’s got the ability and potential, now he’s got to go away and prove it.

“He’s got his feet on the ground and he could go on and have a really exciting career.”

Phillips will join up with the squad on Monday before the first game against Austria next Sunday.

England also play group games against Holland (July 21) and France (July 24).

The matches will be shown live on Eurosport.

Meanwhile, Wanderers have confirmed that there have still been no bids for Phillips despite speculation on the Preston North End fans’ forum that an offer of £350k has been accepted.

Manager Gary Waddock said on Wednesday evening: “We’ve not had any bids today, but in the future who knows. He’s under contract here and we’re delighted to have him.”