COLCHESTER United defender Tommy Smith admits playing against England at Wembley would be a ‘fantastic experience’.

But the U’s centre-back insists his main focus before any possible international date against the Three Lions is helping the U’s get their League Two campaign off to a flying start.

Smith has 38 international caps with New Zealand to date having made his debut for them back in 2010 and is line to feature when they take on the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho and co in a friendly, on November 12.

The 30-year-old says he would love to feature in that game but insists his main focus at present is helping the U’s get league points on the board – starting with their curtain-raiser at Bradford City tomorrow.

Smith said: “Hopefully I can be in the squad for that one, as it would be a fantastic experience.

“I was born in England and lived in New Zealand a long time to get my dual citizenship.

“It will be a special one for sure but first and foremost, I have two months of football for Colchester to get through first and hopefully we can have a really positive start to the season, which will stand me in good stead for international selection.

"I've settled in - I was on loan here a long while ago now but there are still some familiar faces, which obviously helps to settle in at any new club.

"I've really enjoyed it so far."

Smith is set to make his first league appearance for Colchester tomorrow since signing for them on a two-year deal, earlier this summer.

The former Ipswich Town defender featured in their Carabao Cup tie at Reading last weekend but was rested for their EFL Trophy defeat at Portsmouth, on Tuesday night.

He said: “It’s a tough start and three away games on the spin is tough, no matter who you play against.

“The first two games have been really good tests for us against teams above us in terms of division but we can take some positives from those games.

“In the first half against Reading, I thought we were excellent and we were unlucky not to go in ahead.

“And until Portsmouth scored their first goal, I thought again we were the better side.

“We have to take the positives from that but also learn from the fact that when we are on top, we have to capitalize on that and score more than just one goal.”

Smith has had cause to celebrate recently after his wife gave birth to a baby boy, named Keegan.

Smith added: "We're delighted - it's our first baby.

"The lads actually presented me with a kit with 'Dad' and number five on the back and a bunch of flowers for my wife, so that's a really nice touch from them.

"It's exciting times on and off the pitch for myself."