It was a campaign where they played five matches and won all of them as they scored 12 times and conceded just twice. They opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Austria before thumping Serbia 4-0 and they then navigated their way past Israel- a side they went on to meet in the Final- with a 1-0 win which took them to the Semi-Finals.

In their way stood the Italians, who went ahead just 12 minutes in as Cox was beaten for the first time in the tournament as Fabio Miretti’s penalty kick was just beyond the young Brentford goalkeeper. It was a half which the Young Lions will have been frustrated with but they put things back on track when they levelled through Alex Scott shortly before the hour. It was then Jarell Quansah who found the net with eight minutes to play to send England to the Final as they attempted to win the competition for the second time in the side’s history.

In the five matches on England’s schedule, Matthew played the full game in four of them whilst Daniel featured in every match for the Young Lions, two of which he started against Israel. He was introduced from the bench in the other three ties as both players played important roles in helping England to claim the trophy.

“It’s great,” said Matthew, as both players sat down at Jersey Road to show their medals and reflect on a summer to remember. “We went out there to win the tournament, and the way way we won it, I think we can be very proud. Not many people get to go and play in Finals like that and to go and win it was amazing. Winning tournaments are the best feeling. It’s why we all start playing, to go and win things. Everyone dreams of winning things like the World Cup. To win at a young age means you want more, and that helps when you come into the First Team here at Brentford who want to win games. It’s a very good start for us.”

So, what’s that feeling like when you get told that you’ll be starting a European Final for your country? Daniel says both were delighted but it was important to manage their emotions to keep themselves focused on the task at hand.

“We found out we were playing the day before. For me, it was a bit different because I’d been in and out (of the team) leading up to it but I worked hard and made a big impact against Italy in the Semi-Final so I felt it was deserved. We had to stay calm because Israel were a good team, to go and beat France, so we had to prepare the same way and not get too ahead of ourselves. It was a tough game and I was nervous, but once the game starts you’re alright, it’s more the build-up but once the whistle blows and you start running around, it feels like a normal game.”

The importance of the B Team pathway at Brentford is to give the players well-rounded experiences which will help them in their careers. Both Matthew and Daniel have featured for the side abroad in the 2021/22 season- adding to the experience of playing in foreign countries, against different styles, with the ability to play, rest, recover and play again over a short period. Both players admitted the range of fixtures that they’ve been able to play for Neil MacFarlane’s team has helped them with their development, especially when it comes to international football.

Matthew said: “Travelling around the world and playing against opponents like Monaco and Brøndby, who have different styles, gets us ready for international matches. Every nation is different, obviously they'll have similar traits but every game is different all over. To face those types of opponents for the B Team helped prepare us very well."

The two youngsters reflect on a brilliant summer with the Young Lions

So, with a European Championship winners medal around their necks, how does this set the players up for the 2022/23 campaign with The Bees? With a First Team promotion for Matthew, he’ll be aiming to continue his development under the coaching staff to keep pushing towards First Team football under Thomas Frank. As for Daniel, he will be aiming to build on a positive first season in red and white having gained excellent experience as part of Brentford B during the 2021/22 season, with the ultimate aim of regularly pushing himself into the thoughts of the First Team staff.

Both players are excited ahead of the new season as they aim to keep impressing the coaching staff. With current Bee Josh Dasilva having gone through a similar experience of winning an international tournament at youth level having lifted the same trophy back in 2017 where he made three appearances, Daniel says he will look to draw on the knowledge of the midfielder to help him with his game.

"Seeing what I want to do with my career, having someone that is accessible who has done it, and is doing it, is very important,” said Daniel, who also came through initially at Arsenal like Josh did. “Josh is a great guy, he helps all the young players at Brentford. Having him as a role model to try and aspire to be like is great and it's what we want to do.”

Winning the tournament is obviously the highlight but there has also been an added nod to Matthew’s performances having also been named in the Team of the Tournament in recognition for some brilliant displays as he helped the Young Lions to a wonderful achievement. Matthew was one of four Englishmen named in that XI as he was recognised alongside Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, Chelsea’s Harvey Vale and Aston Villa’s Carney Chukuemeka.

“I think this is another statement for us,” said Head Coach Thomas Frank, who was proud to see the two youngsters make an impact on the European stage. “The fact that we can name two players in the starting XI for England Under-19s is really impressive.”

Both players will now have their sights firmly set on getting better and better with Brentford in the coming months, and as they’ve said, the aim will be to go and win next year’s Under-20 World Cup when the side head to Indonesia.