International news: Jon Flanagan admits he dreams of making his England debut

Liverpool full-back Jon Flanagan admits he is dreaming of making his England debut while on standby with Roy Hodgson’s side.

Alongside Everton defender John Stones, the 21-year-old has travelled to Miami with Hodgson’s squad as England play World Cup warm-up friendlies against Ecuador and Honduras.

Hodgson hoped that being part of the squad would provide a learning curve for the pair but their inclusion was also influenced by the doubts surrounding the fitness of Phil Jones, although the Manchester United defender is expected to start against Ecuador.

Unless England suffer any defensive injuries, then the duo will return home while their team-mates head off to Brazil, but Flanagan says he is just relishing the experience.

"Coming away with your country, it doesn't get much better than that,” he told theFA.com

“There are top players from all around the country, so training with them is really good.

"There are another two games before we go home so if I get the chance to make my debut it will be a dream come true.”

There are top players from all around the country, so training with them is really good. There are another two games before we go home so if I get the chance to make my debut it will be a dream come true.”

Flanagan was an unused substitute for England’s 3-0 win over Peru at Wembley – their final fixture on home soil before the tournament – but watched as Stones stepped off the bench in the second half to earn his first international cap.

Flanagan said: "He handled his own. I thought he did well, got forward and it was a debut to remember.

"As we've seen, young players are getting their chance and those who have come in have taken it with both hands. If I get a chance then hopefully I can take it."

The Liverpool-born defender has previously been capped at Under-21s level for his country, but he says that being a part of the senior set-up is some contrast.

"The difference is massive. It's a lot quicker and everything about it is more professional,” he said.

"There are a lot of Liverpool players in the squad and it helps you out massively. There are also a lot of young lads in the squad who I have played with down the years, so it helps you when you are coming into the squad and makes you feel welcome."