He made his international debut in the 1–0 win over Australia, but was replaced at half-time. He was named as a substitute in the next game against New Zealand. He came on at half-time and within three minutes of the restart he scored his first (and only) England goal. With Gary Lineker injured, he lined up with Alan Shearer against France at Wembley. Bryan Robson said that, "It's not a question of who will replace Lineker, but who will partner David Hirst". It became Hirst's third and final England match. Although he was selected for more England squads, injuries kept him out of the team.