Chester FC's Ben Heneghan was part of the England C side that suffered a last-gasp 4-3 defeat against Slovakia under-21s on Sunday.
The defender played the full game for non-league's Three Lions, who recovered from a goal down to lead 3-1 at Gander Green Lane, home of National League new boys Sutton United .
But the Slovakians roared back to draw level through substitute Michal Fasko and he then fired in a 97th-minute winner in a see-saw thriller to secure a valuable three points in the International Challenge Trophy.
The game could be Heneghan's farewell appearance for England C and last as a Chester player.
The 22-year-old is out-of-contract and has been linked with a move into the Football League , although several National League clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation too.
Salford-born Heneghan has been offered a new deal to keep him at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium next season but has so far not accepted.
Should he move to another club, Chester would be entitled to compensation as he is under the age of 23, although the amount would be determined through a tribunal if the clubs are unable to reach an agreement.
READ: Ben Heneghan not ruling out remaining with Blues beyond this season
Heneghan and his England C team-mates went into Sunday's game knowing a win would guarantee a top two finish and a place in the ICT final.
He lined up alongside new Gateshead signing James Bolton, Jack Holland of Bromley and Braintree Town's Sam Habergham as manager Paul Fairclough named the same back four that started the 2-0 win against Ukraine back in March.
The hosts fell behind on 18 minutes when Lucas Haraslin fired past Brandon Hall but Heneghan was involved in the equaliser when John Goddard's cross reached the centre-back at the far post and he looped the ball back into the box for Holland to head in and level the scores.
Holland had to be withdrawn after picking up a knock with Louis John replacing him and the Sutton man, a late call-up for Dover Athletic's Sean Raggett, gave the hosts the lead on 38 minutes when he converted Habergham's cross.
England went further ahead following the restart when John headed in his second of the game from a corner after Leesley's shot had been turned behind.
Slovakia reduced the deficit to a single goal when Tomas Huk netted from a corner at the other end and the visitors were level on 75 minutes when Fasko got clear and finished into the bottom corner.
With the game deep into stoppage time, England conceded again as Fasko smashed in a free kick to win the game meaning England have to beat Estonia in November to set-up a revenge date with Slovakia in the final.
Following the game, Fairclough said: "It was very cruel, but it is football.
"The lads really put in a shift. Slovakia are top of their under-21 Euro qualifying group so we were against a red hot team.
"But you’ve got to give Slovakia credit. They came back and took their chances really well."
