Delighted Jermaine McGillvary knows the hard work to earn a starting England spot starts now!

The Huddersfield Giants winger and Super League’s top tryscorer this season with 27 has been named in Steve McNamara’s 24-man national squad for the one-off international against France on Saturday week and the three-Test series against New Zealand which gets under way seven days later.

McGillvary admits getting a place in the England squad, along with Giants teammates Leroy Cudjoe and Brett Ferres, is a dream come true.

But he knows his first senior country call is no guarantee of securing final selection.

“I’ve always wanted to play for England, but never thought I’d get the chance,” said McGillvary.

“And I know that being called up this time is no guarantee I’ll get picked for the games, especially now I’ve trained with the rest of the squad and seen how good everyone is.

Huddersfield Giants' Jermain McGillvary celebrates scoring another try

“The quality of players I’m working with is incredible, and the intensity of the first couple of training sessions has been unbelievable. I’m going to have to do really well to prove to Steve I deserve to be picked.

“But having attended an England training camp a month ago and been in the final pick of six or seven players in my position, I know how much closer I’m getting to a first England cap.

“Having got this close, I’m desperate not to miss out and will be doing everything I possibly can to make sure that’s not the case.”