Chris Simpson helped England retain the European Under-19s Championship.

Simpson, 17, played a major role as England defeated France 3-0 in the team final held in Herentals, Belgium.

The Brighton College pupil overcame Matthieu Castagnet after losing to the same player in the semi-finals of the individual event.

Simpson, the British under-17 champion, said: "That tasted sweet. I was 2-0 up and two match balls up against Matthieu in the individuals when he got a couple of flukey shots and my game went downhill.

"I was determined not to let that happen again and was very happy with the way I played. I never gave him a chance.

"I was pleased with how I played in the team competition and had a 100 per cent winning record.

"Being in a winning team for the second successive year ranks as one of my biggest achievements in squash."

England did not drop a match in qualifying and Finland were hammered 3-0 in the quarter-finals. Belgium put up some resistance in the last four but were beaten 2-1 when Emma Beddows lost.

Simpson said: "It was great to win the whole thing.

"The gap between ourselves and all the other countries has grown."

Simpson says victory will help boost confidence ahead of the World Under-19 Championships in Pakistan in August.

He said: "We know it will be tougher in Pakistan but being European champions gives us more confidence."

Simpson, who moved to Brighton and Hove from his native Guernsey in September, paid tribute to Brighton College and Coral's.

He said: "They've provided me with a level of squash training that's really brought on my game.

"The college has decent quality players and a good coach in Peter Flint.

"At Coral's, I get to practice with professionals like Suzie Pierrepont and French international Laurent Elriani.

"Mike Harris, who has coached me at Coral's and England, has been a big help."

Rachel Willmott, 15, was seventh on her European girls individual debut.

The British under-17s champion, from Horsham, reached the quarter-finals after a bye and 3-2 victory against Austrian Brigit Coufal but lost 3-0 to Belgian Charlie De Rycke, the eventual champion.

The Farlington pupil, world ranked No.2 at under-17s, lost 3-1 to Dutch player Orla Noom after being a point away from a 2-0 lead in the play-off for fifth place but overcame Lauren Gray (Scotland) 3-1 to secure seventh.

She said: "I had a hard draw, just look at the girl I lost to.

"I was annoyed when I was beaten at first but it was a good achievement to get as far as I did at my age.

"I learned a lot. I was up against bigger, stronger players."

Rachel hopes the experience will help England retain their under-17s team title in Switzerland next month. She is ranked No.1 on the continent.

Harris, who also coaches Willmott, said: "I'm proud of Chris and Rachel.

"Chris has had an amazing year. He adopted a professional approach by leaving home and it is paying off.

"I know he was disappointed with the way things went for him in his semi-final of the individuals but he bounced back and was superb for the team.

"Rachel hates losing to anyone but, considering her age, I felt she did brilliantly."