My Champion

Chapter 2

Trent's POV

2 days.

That was how long I had to hear if I was going to be in the World Cup squad. The squad announcement was originally supposed to be today, however Gareth Southgate had put it off until Saturday. The team would be flying out to Spain on Monday to begin training for the tournament.

After missing the Euros last year, I wanted nothing more than to be in the World Cup squad. I feel like I've just played my best season yet – after so many doubts were raised about me last season, I knew I had to step up big time, and this season I feel like I did just that.

I think if I don't get given a chance now then I'm simply going to have to accept the fact that I'm not good enough to play for England.

"Earth to Trent!"

I was brought back down to earth by a finger snapping right in front of my eyes.

"Huh?" I said.

"I was just asking if your family are coming with you to Spain." Hendo replied.

I was at his house for dinner because he thought it would be a good distraction from the whole World Cup situation. Apart from the fact it was still the only thing I could think about.

"I'm not even going to Spain at this rate." I scoffed.

"You are, trust me." Hendo said confidently.

I don't get how he can have so much faith in me to be honest – there are so many other amazing English right backs. How could he be so sure I would get picked?

"It's fine. I didn't go to the last one, so it's not like I had my hopes up or anything. It stands to reason that the gaffer would stick with the same squad who got the team to their first ever Euros final." I shrugged, trying to sound like I didn't care but failing miserably.

"Don't be silly Trent. There are players in that squad who have fallen off the face of it a little bit. There'll definitely be room for you love. I'd be gobsmacked if there wasn't." Rebecca, Hendo's wife, said.

"Plus, I invited you here to take your mind off things, not discuss them further. Did I tell you I've brought in your favourite meal? We've got Cajun chicken with spicy rice, red and green peppers, and peas." Hendo told me.

My mouth began watering at the thought of my favourite dish – it was so specific, and it was really sweet of Hendo to get those particular ingredients in for me.

"Thanks Hendo. I really appreciate it." I smiled gratefully.

"No problem mate. I will just warn you though, Soph's offered to help me cook so if you get food poisoning it's her fault." Hendo joked.

"Oi, I heard that!" Sophia cried, entering the living room with her nieces and nephew – Hendo's kids – in tow.

They'd been outside in the sun playing. Sophia was living with Hendo ever since her asshole ex-boyfriend cheated on her.

"They said they were bored so I brought them inside." Sophia told Rebecca.

"Thanks for playing with them Soph." Rebecca replied. She took the kids upstairs to their playroom.

"So, Soph, should we get started on dinner?" Hendo asked his sister.

"Great idea, I'm starving. I can't say I've ever had this meal before, so I'm looking forwards to trying Trent's speciality." Sophia said.

"Trust me, you'll love it." I told her.

Hendo and Sophia headed for the kitchen, and with Rebecca upstairs entertaining the kids I was left alone in the living room.