Willis, from Bracknell & Wokingham Swimming Club, who finished fourth in the 200m breaststroke at Delhi 2010 four years ago, went one better this time around over the same distance.

He beat countryman Adam Peaty to the bronze medal with a time of 2:09.87 minutes but the English duo were undone on the day by two home talents in Scotland.

Swimming supporters packed into Bracknell Leisure Centre to urge on their team-mate but in the end Willis had to settle for bronze.

Michael Jamieson, who joined forces with Willis for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, and Ross Murdoch won silver and gold respectively, the latter in a new Commonwealth Games record time of 2:07.30.

Willis conceded his Scottish counterparts were too good on the day and, while topping the podium would have been nice, a maiden Commonwealth Games medal is no small achievement.

“I gave it my all down the last length,” said the 23-year-old, who was eighth in the Olympic final two years ago.

“I heard the steam jets that come on when someone touches [the wall], and I saw Michael [Jamieson] alongside me so I thought that someone had gone quick here.

“I heard the crowd cheering for Michael and Ross [Murdoch]. It’s not quite the time I wanted, but I’m on the podium, which is a step in the right direction.

“It is relief now. I just kept on telling myself to give it my all on that last length. Obviously I am happy.

“It is a step in the right direction without hopefully jinxing it. We [England] are going to have a good Commonwealth Games.” For Willis, the attention then quickly shifted to the 100m breaststroke but he ended up missing out on qualification for the final.

Willis and Jamieson were both outside the eight fastest times in the semi-finals, while Peaty went on to claim gold for England in a Games record time of 58.94 seconds.

It was a disappointing finish to the Glasgow Games for Willis but he revealed distractions away from the pool will be keeping him quite busy as soon as he gets home.

“I had my masters this year in chemical engineering down in Bath, and I’ve pretty much finished now,” he added.

“I have only got two exams left, which should be a doddle compared to what I’ve done now.”