His team-mates were singing "England’s No.1" as he walked through the training ground at Cobdown but Brandon Hall just laughed and shook his head.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper, called up for his England C debut after a run of terrific performances at club level, has made quite an impression over the last two months.

Hall has started the last 13 games for Ebbsfleet since Preston Edwards was controversially sent-off at Hayes & Yeading on September 13, keeping seven clean sheets during that run.

He’s looked accomplished and assured since coming off the bench at York Road. But despite his club form and international recognition, there isn’t a hint of complacency about Hall when it comes to keeping his place in the Fleet team.

He said: "I honestly don’t think that I’m the dead-cert No.1. It’s good. That’s what I want, for someone to push me. I hope Preston would think the same. It’s good for both of us.

"Even though I’ve been playing for the past few games, I don’t expect to play at all. In training, I still keep working hard. Preston’s a good goalkeeper and I know that if I’m not on my game, he’s more than capable of coming in and playing well."

Hall was the second-choice keeper for the whole of last season but his attitude and dedication was praised on more than one occasion by Fleet manager Steve Brown.

When his chance finally came, he grabbed it with both gloves.

"It’s been a quick turnaround," Hall said. "I can only thank Browny for understanding my patience and giving me my opportunity to play and stay in. I have worked hard last season and at the beginning of this season to get this opportunity.

"The results are showing – as a team – how well we’re playing.

"I’m more than happy to have a look at the clean sheet record, which has been fantastic and I’m assuming that’s what England have seen. I’ve been impressed with how I’ve been playing."

Hall played 89 minutes as England C claimed a 4-2 win over Estonia Under-23 at The Shay in Halifax last Tuesday. He was originally on standby for the squad but injuries to fellow keepers Calum Kitscha and Andy Coughlin opened the door for him to start.

He said: "I heard, a week or two ago, that they’d been to have a look and that they were impressed. It was a fantastic experience to have the opportunity to go and do that. I appreciate (manager) Paul Fairclough and (goalkeeping coach) Mick Payne bringing me into the England set-up."

Hall sees no reason why Ebbsfleet can’t win Vanarama Conference South this season.

He said: "We’re in a great position. In this league, as long as you can stay in that play-off position all season, get a good little run over Christmas or just after, you’ve got every chance of going up automatically.

"All I can do is continue as I’m playing. Providing I do well with Ebbsfleet, I’m hopeful that I’ll get another chance with England."

Hall’s humility is admirable.

But if Fleet occupy the No.1 league position at the end of this season, he may well be England No.1 for a while to come.