"It was a good experience; it is always enjoyable to play for your country," he says.
He certainly had a healthier experience than club colleague Anton Ferdinand, who suffered what was initially a suspected broken leg following as hefty challenge by a Polish opponent.
"It was a very dirty challenge on Anton but luckily it was just a bit of bruising and he should be okay," says Nigel.
It was his incredible run that set up Teddy Sheringham at Coventry on Bank Holiday Monday and he recalls:
"I picked up the ball and managed to set up Teddy for the goal but unfortunately it counted for nothing because we didn't win.
"The defeat was a shock to the system but they scored two great goals which they took very well and there is nothing you can do about that.
"Funnily enough in this division this year anyone can beat anyone so it is really an open championship at the moment - but it is still early doors and I am confident."