Chapter 42, The first match

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*Time jump to the morning of the first group match*.

*You met for breakfast at 08:00 in the morning on 13.06.2021*.

Gareth: Good morning guys.

Everyone else: Good morning Gareth

Gareth: Eat enough for breakfast today. As we will be at the stadium by 12:00, you will only be able to eat something small before the game. You now have an hour and a half to have breakfast and pack the things you need for the game. After that, we'll all be back here to look at some things, which we'll also do at the stadium.

*As Gareth said, you have filled your breakfast plate well and sat down*.

Jack: Well, are you as excited as I am?

Mason: A little bit.

Reece: A little?

Mason: All right, I'm pretty excited.

Phil: Yeah, me too.

Ben: Me even more.

Y/N: Understandable, it's an important game. Even I am excited.

Reece: We know it's important, don't make it worse.

Jack: And what do you mean even you? You're always very nervous. Right now I think you're in a constant state of excitement.

Y/N: That's not true (blushes).

Jack: You sure?

Phil: It doesn't matter, we know why, or rather because of whom. And that is okay.

Reece: Exactly, although I have the feeling that Y/N is not the only one.

*All look at Mason*

Mason: What?!?!

Phil: Nothing.

Mason: Well, I have a good.... eh, a good... ehhm.

*All laugh*

Phil: Yeah, Reece you're right

*After you had breakfast, you packed your things and went back downstairs until you left with the team bus at half past eleven.

*Outside the stadium.

Gareth: Well, my dears, we're here extra early to go over the final details. So quickly get your shirts on in the dressing room and then when you're ready we'll look at things together. Some in the dressing room and some on the pitch.

All: Yes

Gareth: Y/N There are individual changing rooms in each stadium with showers that you can use if you want to warm up with us and stuff.

Y/N: Sure, definitely, I took the clothes you gave me so that I would fit in with you.

Gareth: Yeah, I've seen you trying some out. Just wait outside the cabin then, when the guys are done we'll bring you in.

Y/N: I always thought we women had long hours.

Jack: You do.

*All laugh*

Gareth: Well, not when it comes to football, men have long ones too (laughs).

Declan: we'll make it quick, the pads, shoes and stuff can still be put on when Y/N is with us.

Gareth: Well then.

*You've all gone to change*.

*When you were ready you waited as we agreed and it didn't take long before one of the crew brought you in.

Gareth: So boys....

*You looked at a few things together, warmed up outside and then all went back into the dressing room together*.

Gareth: So here we go. I believe in you and I know you can and will win.

*You went with the substitutes to the seats, while the others put on their jerseys and then went onto the pitch.

Gareth: So, now it's getting serious!

Jack: Yes, but I know the boys will get the three points.

Y/N: Yeah, I think so too.

Gareth: Yeah, they have a lot of potential. You guys on the bench as well, I mean the whole team (laughs).

Reece: Yes, we thought so.

*It was kick-off and the first half was very quiet with no big chances for England.

*In the dressing room at half-time*

Gareth: Well, I've got nothing negative. Just get on the pitch and play. So let the others run after the ball, so you can create more chances. I don't want to change yet. Do you have anything else to say?

Declan: I think it's going very well at the moment, but we would also have other possibilities if we didn't always attack from the outside, so that we also work with passes into the depth.

Gareth: I like that idea a lot, that would really make a difference.

Mason: Good

Phil: We will give Harry these passes more often.

Gareth: Very good, now back on the pitch with fun and concentration.

*In the 57' Tyrone Mings was able to send Sterling deep with a pass, who then scored the goal*.

Phil: Yes!!!!

Mason: Yeah man!!!

Jack: I knew you guys could do it.

Raheem: But only thanks to the pass from Mings.

Gareth: Very good, now try to keep the score like this and if necessary increase it.

Raheem: We will.

*The last few minutes were quiet. Gareth replaced Kane, Sterling and Foden and brought on Bellingham, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Rashford.

*After the game*

Gareth: I just have one comment now straight after the game. Keep it up!!! You guys played really great.

Pickford: That's right, I very rarely had to intervene,

Gareth: And when you did have to, you executed it perfectly. Go and have a shower now and I'll meet you at the bus in 30 minutes.

Jack: 45 minutes please, we still want to party.

Gareth: Can't we do it all at the same time?

Mason: Well, we don't want to exclude Y/N

Bellingham: Yes, after all, she trained with us and contributed to our success.

Gareth: Well, party with her for a few minutes and then go and have a shower.

Jack: Thank you Gareth

*just as you said you would, you did it and drove back to the hotel afterwards

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