Adam Brett was 16-years-old and completing his GCSE’s when he represented Cymru at the EURO U17 finals in 2024, and is now relishing the opportunity of hosting Europe’s elite at U19 level this summer.
“There’s no better feeling than representing your country,” explained the Brighton & Hove Albion striker to FAW.cymru on camp earlier this week. “You’re doing it for your family and for the fans, and getting back with the team is really fun. It’s a really good environment and I’m buzzing to be here.”
Cymru open the tournament against Spain on Sunday 28 June (KO 18:00) before taking on Germany on Wednesday 1 July (KO 20:00) and Denmark on Saturday 4 July in Group A (KO 14:00). All of Cymru’s fixtures will in take place at Wrexham’s Cae Ras and tickets are available here.
“It will be amazing playing at one of the oldest stadiums in the whole world,” added Brett. “Getting all the fans behind our backs and showcasing our talent to them. I know our team will have a lot of family and friends watching, the fans will be excited, and we’ll be excited to see them. It should be a really positive, fun atmosphere.
“They’re some of the best teams in Europe so we know they’re going to have a lot of high quality, but we trust ourselves and we know we’re a great team. We’ve been each other for a while and we know each other. It’s probably something everyone’s dreamed about since they were a little kid, putting on the badge and walking out on the Cae Ras. It should be really enjoyable, and just can’t wait for it to start.”
Although Cymru have never competed at the EURO U19 finals before, a number of Chris Gunter’s squad, including Brett, have experienced tournament football at U17 level as Cymru qualified for the finals in both 2023 and 2024. Although they were unable to make it past the group stage each time, those tournaments left a positive impression on those involved.
“I only have really positive memories,” Brett added when asked about the 2024 edition that he was part of. “To be the second Cymru team to qualify for a EURO finals is obviously a massive thing. We worked so hard, it was our goal at the start of that year to get there, so it meant everything.
“To play against some of the best players around our age in Europe and test yourself against them was a really, really good thing. Obviously, we would have hoped to go further, but we gave 100% and have no regrets. I think it’s really useful that most of us have had that exposure being at a tournament before because we know what it takes.”
Head coach Chris Gunter will lead the side into the finals having represented his country at three major tournaments during a senior international career that saw him earn 109 caps between 2007 and 2022. The former defender has made a positive impression on his squad, and having played every minute of every game when his side reached the semi-finals at EURO 2016, he knows what it takes to defy the odds.
“He’s a great role model,” said Brett. “He helps us a lot and he’s blended in really well. He speaks to all the lads and speaks highly of us. He’s a great coach and he also helps us because he was an ex-player who has had the experiences of the EURO’s and a World Cup.”
Still only 18, Brett has had to overcome a serious knee ligament injury that ruled him out for the entire 2024/25 season, but has shown his true character and determination by making a positive return for club and country. “I’d like to just thank Wales and Brighton first and foremost for helping me through that tough year,” he explained.
“Obviously, no one wants to be injured and out for that long, but Wales kept in contact, came to see me and obviously Brighton helped me as well, so credit to both of them. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, but it’s been a really positive year, being involved with Brighton U21s too. Now I’m hoping for some first team exposure as well, so it’s been a really positive first year back.”
