Highly-rated centre back Charlie Goode represented England last week and followed up his debut for the Three Lions by signing for League One side Scunthorpe United.

Goode, 19, joined Hendon from AFC Hayes in November and quickly secured a starting spot in the team alongside Elliott Brathwaite.

The duo were instrumental in Hendon’s two cup final victories and a second place finish in the league last season.

Goode played for the England C team, which is made up of players from non-league clubs aged 23 and under, against the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side in Galway, where they secured a 2-1 win.

Goode said: “It was a great experience. I was one of the youngest players in the squad and it was brilliant to be involved with that level of coaching and to be in and around the facilities that we were – it gave us all a taste of the professional game.

“I played for 25 minutes, I’d liked to have got a few more minutes on the pitch but I felt comfortable in a squad that was mainly made up of Conference Premier players.”

Having caught the eye of several Football League teams including Wycombe Wanderers, Goode opted to join Scunthorpe who are managed by former Manchester United striker Mark Robins.

Goode is grateful to Hendon boss Gary McCann for giving him the opportunity to express himself in the Ryman League which enabled him to achieve his dream of signing for a professional club.

He said: “From the age of 10 I was playing for Fulham and going on tours to places like Spain and Italy. It helped me to develop technically.

“The dream has always been to play football professionally but in the last few years you start to think maybe you won’t get that chance.

“I’ve been working for the family business fitting electrical blinds which meant I could get away to play in matches.

“I spent a season with Hayes and then as soon as Gary called me about joining Hendon I knew it was the best move for me.

“I had an offer to play at a higher level but Gary told me that I would play regular football, which is what I needed.

“I was welcomed from day one and I have to say that Scott Cousins is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with.

Goode says watching Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin receive call-ups to the senior England squad has inspired him to keep pushing forward with his own career.

He said: “When you see Vardy making his England debut against Ireland, when he was playing for Fleetwood Town in 2009, it shows how quickly your career can move forward.

“I think especially for the younger players in non-league football, if you have the talent and you can produce quality performances consistently then people will take notice.

“I’m from Watford and support Arsenal. Growing up I would have looked up to the likes of Tony Adams and I still look at John Terry who continues to be one of the best defenders around.

“It’s funny because a few years ago I was viewed as being small and was playing at right-back. I’ve had a growth spurt and now stand 6’4 and play as a central defender.

“One thing that playing full time will enable me to do is spend some more time in the gym building up by upper body strength.”