Mitchell Dickenson has confirmed he will be leaving Hythe after making his England C debut.

Dickenson played the full 90 minutes as Paul Fairclough's side lost 2-0 to Estonia under-23s in Tallinn last Wednesday.

The former Gillingham defender is ready to push on with his career after two impressive seasons at Reachfields.

At 22, the Bostik South East Cannons will be entitled to a fee for their out-of-contract centre-half but he'll leave with their best wishes.

Dickenson, who made two League 1 appearances for the Gills, said: "It makes you realise how much you want it again.

"I want to push on now and get a few leagues higher.

"A few clubs want me. I'll have to sit down with them and see how the conversation goes but I want to crack on and play full-time again.

"Hythe will be due compensation, as I'm under 24, but hopefully in the next few weeks I'll know where I'm going.

"My aim is to have a good season in National South or even the National League and keep working my way up.

"Sam (Denly, Hythe boss) has been great.

"He's called me a few times and said clubs want you.

"It's good because this time last year I didn't know what I wanted to do.

"In my head I only wanted to stay here for a year but I liked Sam and got on really well with him and decided to do another year.

"I've played every game this season and put in a lot of consistent performances, which is what got me the call-up."

England were beaten by two late goals in Tallinn but Dickenson did his reputation no harm.

• Dicko in demand
• Mitch's Football League debut

He said: "It was a great experience. They were a good group of lads and even training with them, you feel yourself upping your game and playing better.

"I remember speaking to a few scouts who said if I could get in the England C squad it would be massive for my profile.

"I feel I played well and Paul Fairclough gave me good feedback.

"He said I did myself justice, was calm on the ball and kept the ball well.

"Estonia had seven full-internationals, including the two strikers, so we did well as a back four to keep them out.

"We were all over them in the second half but where we hadn't played for a month a bit of tiredness crept in and we lost concentration in the last five minutes.

"The manager said he was proud of us and he didn't want to see any faces dropped.

"It's amazing to represent your country. When you walk out there and line up for the national anthem, it really hits you.

"I try to treat every game the same but it was even better going out there wearing the Three Lions.

"It gives you even more motivation to do the right things."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent