The 18-year-old inspired the young Lions to a come-from-behind victory in the final against Israel, which they ultimately won 3-1 after extra-time.

It was the Chelsea youngster’s brilliant teasing inswinger from the right that created the game’s crucial third goal for Carney Chukwuemeka following an underwhelming first-half performance which saw them trailing at the break.

Vale, who made five senior appearances for the Blues last term, and his team-mates had to dig deep after the restart but wideman felt it was easier to call upon those reserves of energy and belief given the togetherness of the group.

‘We definitely didn’t make it easy for ourselves, especially in that first half, but we never stopped believing,’ said Vale afterwards. ‘The togetherness in this group from all 21 players and all the staff plays a part in that.

‘It was extremely tough so credit to Israel, they’re a great side. At times they were keeping the ball for really long periods and making it tough for us but that belief and togetherness of our squad, it’s hard to combat.

‘We never hide away from the fact we know we can win games no matter the scoreline so I feel like that’s really got us to this point and that’s what has won us this tournament.’

On his part in England’s second goal, Vale revealed it was a case of putting a good delivery into the right area and hoping for the best outcome.

‘I saw a couple of players running into the box and luckily Carney got on the end of it,’ he explained.

‘To make sure we got that third goal as well, that really settled it for us and we were buzzing. It doesn’t get much better than that - it means everything.’

The post-match celebrations painted a picture of how much the triumph meant to the England players, with Vale joined by Chelsea colleagues Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Bashir Humphreys as European champions on the international stage.

‘We’ve all watched England teams in the past and dreamt of playing in an England team, let alone winning a trophy for your country,’ he added. I don’t think there’s a better honour than that in football.

‘It means the world to all of us. To have family here, people who have watched us and made sacrifices our whole lives, it’s unbelievable and I’m so proud.'