The big centre-half made his international bow for Neil Dewsnip’s Under-18s on Monday as they suffered a cruel 2-1 stoppage-time defeat away to Russia.
Despite the result, however, Moore has enjoyed his first taste of the Young Lions after overcoming a few early butterflies.
Russia 2-1 England
International U18 Match
Wednesday 10 June 2015
Arena Khimki, Moscow
“It’s been a fantastic experience. It was hard for me at first as I had to get to know the group but as soon as we started training it started to go really well,” he told TheFA.com.
“I think the moment it really sunk in that I was representing England came when the team was named for the second game and I was starting.
"Going out on to the pitch for the warm-up – that's when it sank in and hit me, ‘wow I'm playing for England'.
“There were a few nerves, but I think it’s always good to have a few before. I wasn’t too bad, but I was just ready for the game.
“The games are nothing like we play in England, the tempo is so much higher. You have to think quicker, but I think I did allright.
Elliott Moore, No6, lines up with England for the first time
"I was gutted we lost, especially in the last minute, but I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Moore has been one of the Foxes’ most impressive performers this season at the back, helping the club reach The FA Youth Cup Semi-Finals and also breaking into their U21s side.
He admits though, his call-up for the national side came as a surprise.
“I was named on the standby list at first and I was really excited for that, although I didn’t think much of it," he said.
"Obviously I was happy to have been noticed but I didn’t think I’d be going away. Then my coach at Leicester pulled me in and told me I’d been called up and it was such a great feeling.”
Elliott Moore jumps for the ball against Russia
Moore continued: “It’s been a good run lately for me. I’ve had some great experiences playing against some very good teams at my club.
“The U21s manager at Leicester [Steve Beaglehole] has had a lot of faith in me and gave me a lot of game time that has helped me progress. That’s one of the reasons why I’m here with my country I think.”
England U19s head coach Sean O’Driscoll was out in Moscow as assistant to Dewsnip, and with the prospect of next summer’s European Championship and World Cup qualification to aim for, Moore hopes he has impressed the former Doncaster Rovers boss.
“Hopefully I will be back. I can’t predict it, but I hope I’ve done enough to impress and earn another shot.”
“Next year is massive for the U19s and that gives you even more determination to work harder to try and get noticed by England.”
