Phillips is buzzing ahead of Euro semi-final

The teenager hit a dramatic 93rd minute equaliser against hosts France on Saturday evening to set up this afternoon’s semi-final against Spain.

The 19-year-old Wanderers midfielder came off the bench to rescue a 1-1 draw, slamming in an injury time leveller – following up on the rebound after his own header had been saved.

Phillips told the Midweek Free Press: “I have never experienced a buzz like that before. To score any goal is special, but to do it for your country in such a big game is just the greatest feeling ever.”

But at the time Phillips didn’t go too overboard with his celebrations.

He said: “I still thought we needed another goal to go through to the semi-finals because we didn’t know that Austria had beaten Holland.

“But as soon as we knew that result we knew we were through and I knew that it was my goal that had put us there.”

Now the Aylesbury-born winger has his sights set on a medal.

He said: “Now we have come this far I really want a winners’ medal. I want to be in the final and I want to win it.

“We have got a very tough semi-final, but we won’t fear anyone.

“Our confidence is high and we believe we can reach the final.”

Phillips doesn’t know yet whether his goal has earned him a starting berth in Noel Blake’s side for today’s last-four showdown which kicks off at 4pm French time.

He was on the bench for the first game, started the next before hitting England’s winner in the third.

Phillips, who has been with Wanderers since he was eight when he was spotted playing five aside, said: “I hope I have done enough to start against Spain but that’s down to the manager.”

Meanwhile Wanderers boss Gary Waddock lavished praise on his young star, who still has a year of his Wanderers contract to run.

He said: “Matt has done himself and Wycombe Wanderers proud.

“He has kept England in the tournament and we are all very proud of what he’s achieved.”