ERIC Webber says making his debut for England has only made him more determined to represent his country again.

The national team’s selectors are likely to grant his wish too following an impressive showing at the European 8Ball Pool Federation Championships in Malta.

He reached the quarter-finals of a singles competition for under 23s, losing only to the eventual winner.

“That’s further than I thought I’d get,” said the 21-year-old.

“And I’d have certainly taken that beforehand, and yet now I’m wondering what might have happened if I’d taken one or two more chances.

“That’s part of the experience though; I’ve learned a lot, and know what to expect if I’m picked again.

“I’d love to play in the world championships – that’s my aim now.”

And Webber, who plays for champions-elect Gladstone C in the Northwich and District League, is in contention to do exactly that.

He has been told already that his place in the squad is safe, which means he avoids having to go through a gruelling trials process at the end of this month.

“I found out part-way through the Euros I’d been retained,” he said.

“That’s something to be proud of, and it means I can focus on being in the best form I can when it comes to selection for the world championships.

“I know what I need to do.”

He celebrated wins against Gary Zammit (5-1), Morgan Thomas (5-3) and Phil Marriott (5-2) in the singles before England teammate Jack Smithers ended his run.

As part of England’s B side in the team competition, the Cheshire regular helped them to six wins in 10 matches before a narrow 5-4 defeat against France A in the final group-stage game denied them a place in the semi-finals.

Malta A went on to claim the trophy, beating Scotland A in the final.

“Jack is a class act and I had no complaints with the outcome,” reflected Webber, a former student at Sir John Deane’s College.

“I was nervous in the first few team games, but once I settled I played well.

“There is pressure because it’s one frame each time and you don’t want to let anybody down.

“The standard is high, and lads are as determined as you are to impress.

“I seemed to play better when the camera wasn’t on me though! I’ve no idea why – I think that was tension as well.”