Not to mention a young striker from the North West named Daniel Welbeck, who scored two goals.
It has been a long road since then for the current Albion goalkeeper who is now joining up with the senior national side just a few weeks ahead of the World Cup finals.
The game in question here is a 7-1 win over Slovenia in the final group fixture at the under-19 Euros in Ukraine in the summer of 2009.
The win secured top spot and England went on to beat France 3-1 in the semis before losing 2-0 to the host nation in the final.
Reports written at the time suggest Steele was busy in each game.
He went on to play seven times for the under-21s and had 34 age group appearances in total.
So, as he heads to the senior stage at last, he was asked by The Argus: "What does he recall of his experiences and aspirations back then?"
The plan would have been to progress to the senior side.
With a touch of dry humour, Steele replied: “That's usually the programme. That's usually preparing you for those occasions.
“It has come a little bit later than I would have liked!
“I had a lot of good times, especially with Welbs.
“It's something we laugh and joke about now. We spent a lot of time together as kids. We are very close and I’m so happy for him.
“It was always my dream to represent my country.
“I am very fortunate enough to have done it, probably from every age, from when I was 15 until 21.
“I’m very privileged to have done that and very proud of it.
“Obviously, this is a proud moment for me and my family as well.”
Steele’s family have been there throughout.
When Robert Sanchez was sent off very late against Newcastle back in 2021-22, it thrust Steele into the first-team spotlight for his Albion league debut in a tough game away to Aston Villa.
Jason Steele's family about to support hm at Villa Park (Image: Richard Parkes)
Our photographer at the game, Richard Parkes, somehow found his family in the stand at Villa Park, there to support.
His dad was the first person Steele told when the call-up was confirmed on Friday morning.
“He was very proud. I think he's been part of it. My mum and my wife have been really instrumental in my whole career.
“They have celebrated some amazing times, picked me up when I was low and that's what it's all about in life.”
Steele moved ahead of Sanchez out of choice in Roberto De Zerbi’s first season in charge.
He has a high opinion of De Zerbi and also one of the men who left before the Italian joined – goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts.
Steele said: “I think there's two people that helped shape a lot of my career in Ben Roberts and in Roberto. I spoke to them both (on Friday).
“Special people, special humans. They recognise a lot of things that not many people do recognise in a footballer and a man. Something that I'll cherish them forever.”
Back in the under-19s, Steele had future senior stars in Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker in front of him.
As for those three men who played full-back for the Seagulls?
Joe Mattock and Joe Bennett were both in the XI which beat Slovenia, the latter playing a little further forward.
And the bench included Gavin Hoyte, who was to join Albion on loan in League One just a few weeks later.
Distant names now for Seagulls fans, from another era. Especially Hoyte, booting his Wycombe opponent in the first round of the FA Cup and getting sent off.
But Steele is still very much part of it at the highest level.
The next big challenge, belatedly, awaits.