'The beach can wait, England comes first', says Clyne

Nathaniel Clyne is happy to put his summer holidays on hold so he can pull on the Three Lions shirt again.

The Southampton full-back is in the England squad at St. George's Park this week gearing up for a trip to Dublin on Sunday, followed by the European Qualifier in Slovenia seven days later.

Clyne, 24, made his debut for Roy Hodgson's men against the Slovenians in November and has started all four games since. 

And after tasting the derby-style atmosphere in his second England outing away against Scotland, he cannot wait for another similar encounter with Republic of Ireland.

"The beach can wait for now - this is a good opportunity for me to go away and get more international experience," said Clyne, who also has England caps at Under-19 and Under-21 level.

"It's always an honour to be called up to play for your country so I am happy and looking forward to the two games coming up.

"I relish the opportunity of these games and look forward to it. With the whole nation on your side willing you and wanting you to do well it is extra pressure.

"I know I can deal with it as well." 

Clyne has started two games for England at Wembley

He continued: "We played Scotland a few months back and it was a great atmosphere.

"Hopefully it will be the same against Ireland and it will be a good test for us to go out there, get a good performance in and try to win.

"It really gets you going when the crowds are really up for it and it does make you want to play better.

"I'm sure it will be a very competitive match and it will be bragging rights for the fans also." 

Clyne met wounded servicemen during a tour of the Help For Heroes recovery centre, Tedworth House, with England team sponsor Vauxhall following the end of his season with the Saints. 

Now back in the international fold he is hoping he can help ensure that Hodgson's team have another busy summer in 2016. 

Leading European Qualifying Group E by six points and with a 100 per cent record, the Three Lions can edge even closer to a place at the Finals in France next year with victory in Ljubljana on 14 June.

And the former Crystal Palace defender would love nothing more than lining up for his country in a major tournament and help them to ultimate glory.

"The Slovenia game is an important one to look forward to and we need the win to edge us closer to the Euros next summer," he said. 

Clyne in action against Italy in March

"In the past tournaments I have always been a fan myself, watching the games on TV and rooting for England. 

"I had dreams of trying to make it onto the pitch myself and trying to help the team do well in a big major tournament."

He added: "The fans are desperate for that and the players are too. 

"I think we have a solid team of experience and youth. There's hungry young players like me and I'll keep fighting so we can hopefully qualify and have a good tournament next summer."

Following England's two games this month, they then return to action in September with an away trip to San Marino followed by their first home fixture of the new season against Switzerland. 

Tickets for that Euro Qualifier against the Swiss on Tuesday 8 September are now available to order online from www.TheFA.com/tickets.

To support Help for Heroes like Nathaniel, visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk.