England's Greatest

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As the final whistle echoed through Stamford Bridge, the tension on the pitch dissolved, replaced by the buzz of post-match reflections. Players exchanged handshakes and words while the two managers approached each other at the sideline.

José Mourinho extended his hand with a faint, calculating smile. "Your team played very well today," he said, his voice smooth yet deliberate, laced with a blend of courtesy and genuine respect.

Nigel Pearson returned the handshake firmly. "Appreciate that, José," he replied, his tone polite but guarded. Compliments from Mourinho always carried an undercurrent of something more.

Mourinho lingered, his sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. "Compared to the FA Cup last season," he added, "I'd say this Leicester side has grown significantly. Especially that boy, Tristan. How did he improve so much?"

The mention of Tristan drew a flicker of reaction from Pearson—a subtle tightening of the jaw, a brief twitch of the brow. It wasn't the first time Mourinho had brought up the teenage sensation. After all, Tristan's extraordinary performance in last year's FA Cup knocked Chelsea out. The memory was still fresh in Mourinho's mind—and perhaps a little too vivid for Pearson's liking.

"He's worked hard," Pearson replied evenly, trying not to reveal too much.

But Mourinho wasn't one to let a moment slip. He gestured toward the now-empty pitch, his tone shifting to something almost reverent. "That boy," he said, his words slow and deliberate, "is something else. His passing and intelligence were always remarkable, but now... now he's got that killer instinct. The long-range shots, the acceleration—he's not just talented anymore. He's dangerous."

Pearson said nothing, but inwardly he knew Mourinho wasn't wrong. Tristan had transformed over the past six months, turning raw potential into polished brilliance. Every game he played seemed to add another layer to his already impressive skill set.

Mourinho's voice dropped slightly, tinged with admiration and a hint of envy. "I've seen players grow over my career, Nigel. I've worked with some of the best. But Tristan—he's different. He's not just improving. He's evolving."

The words hung in the air, charged with meaning. Mourinho wasn't one for hyperbole, and his praise carried weight. Pearson shifted slightly, keeping his expression neutral even as a ripple of unease ran through him.

Mourinho leaned in just enough to make his next words feel personal. "You know," he said with a sly smile, "I tried to bring him here during the summer. Quietly, of course. But he wasn't interested. Loyal to the team, I hear."

Pearson's grip on composure tightened. He'd known about Chelsea's inquiry, of course. Tristan's loyalty had been a point of pride for the club, but hearing Mourinho confirm it now felt like a warning.

The Chelsea manager continued, his tone almost casual. "We went for Fabregas instead, and he's been excellent, no doubt. But let me tell you this: Tristan hasn't left my mind. Not for a second. Watching him today…" Mourinho paused, his gaze steady. "Let's just say I might be testing the waters again soon. That release clause—what is it now? Sixty million?"

Pearson's stomach sank, though he refused to let it show. The figure was accurate—Leicester had raised Tristan's release clause in anticipation of interest from Europe's elite. But even that might not be enough to fend off suitors like Chelsea.

Mourinho chuckled softly, sensing the unspoken tension. "Relax, Nigel. For now, he's yours," he said, his smile disarming yet laced with intent. "But if he keeps playing like this, you know as well as I do—he won't be at Leicester forever."

Pearson exhaled slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Tristan's special to us," he said firmly. "We'll do everything we can to keep him here."

Mourinho tilted his head, his expression one of polite disbelief. "I admire your resolve," he said. "But players like him… they're destined for the top."

The two managers exchanged a knowing look, their conversation more a battle of wills than pleasantries. Pearson could feel the inevitability in Mourinho's words, but he wouldn't concede—not yet. For now, Tristan was still Leicester's Crown Jewel, and Pearson would do whatever it took to keep him.

As Mourinho turned and walked to the field, Pearson couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end of the conversation. It was merely the beginning of a much larger battle—a battle to hold onto a prodigy who was rising rapidly.

Standing on the grass, the echoing chorus of Chelsea fans singing their victory anthem filled the air, drowning out the murmurs of Leicester's players. Tristan stood in the middle of the pitch, hands on his hips, his green eyes fixed on the ground. 

The sting of defeat was unmistakable. It was only the second round of the Premier League season, but Leicester City had already tasted their first loss—a narrow 2-1 defeat to title favorites Chelsea. He honestly thought that team had a high chance of winning this game, and they were close, so close he could almost taste it.

"Well, that could've been worse," came Danny's familiar voice as he jogged up to Tristan, offering a consoling pat on the back. "We didn't get battered, at least."

Tristan exhaled sharply, his jaw tight. "Yeah, but losing still sucks. Doesn't matter who it's against."

Danny smirked. "True, but come on. It's Chelsea—look at the team they've got.We held our own, mate."

Tristan gave a reluctant nod, but his frustration lingered. Around him, the Leicester squad began to regroup.Vardy clapped toward the away fans, while Mahrez stood nearby having a conversation with Lingard.

Even in defeat, there was a sense of belief that they could hold their heads high.

Mahrez jogged over to Tristan, his expression a mix of encouragement and challenge. "Cheer up, mate. It's Stamford Bridge. Not exactly an easy place to come, you know?"

Before Tristan could respond, Lingard chimed in as he approached. "Nah, but we're getting there. You could see it in their faces—we made them work for it. We're no pushover, and they know it."

Tristan glanced back toward the Chelsea players as they celebrated with their fans. As much as he hated to admit it, there was something undeniable about their performance. 

Cesc Fàbregas, in particular, had run the show, dictating the tempo with ease and precision. It was a masterclass in midfield control, one that left Tristan feeling frustrated and beyond annoyed.

"You know," Tristan said, his voice quieter, "watching Fàbregas out there... it's clear I've got a long way to go. He makes it look so easy—controlling the game, finding space, threading passes like it's nothing."

He had done well, but "well" wasn't enough—not for where he wanted to be.

As the Leicester players made their way toward the away fans to applaud their support

Nearby, Mourinho's gaze lingered on Tristan for a moment longer than the others as he walked to his players.

"Tristan, turn around, buddy." Hazard shouted as he approached Tristan who was thanking the away fans. 

Tristan turned around a bit confused as Hazard shook hands with him.

""Tristan, you played well today." Hazard said punching Tristan's right shoulder. After the FPA awad ceremony, that two had become good friends.

"Thanks, you were brilliant out there—you've got to teach me some of those dribbling moves one day."

Hazard chuckled, shrugging modestly. "You're making waves yourself, mate. Keep it up, and you'll be teaching me a thing or two soon."

There was a brief pause as Tristan took in those words, "Hey, Eden, would you mind swapping jerseys?"

Hazard's grin widened. "Of course!" Without hesitation, he pulled off his Chelsea shirt and handed it over. Tristan quickly did the same, holding Hazard's iconic blue jersey in his hands.

"Thanks," Tristan said, a grin breaking through his usual serious demeanor. " Next time I'm in London, dinner's on me."

Hazard raised an eyebrow, amused by the offer, before laughing. "Deal. I'll hold you to that!"

As Hazard jogged back toward his teammates, he gave Tristan a thumbs-up. Tristan watched him go. For a moment, Tristan allowed himself to feel a twinge of awe. Moments like these reminded him of how far he'd come—but also how far he still had to go.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the Man of the Match reverberated through the stadium speakers: Cesc Fàbregas. No surprises there. The Spaniard had orchestrated the game with masterful ease, delivering two assists that had carved Leicester apart. 

In the dressing room, Nigel Pearson was waiting for the squad, his expression far from disappointed. As the players filed in, he clapped his hands to grab their attention.

"Listen up, lads," Pearson began, his tone firm but encouraging. "That was a rewarding game. Losing 2-1 here, at Stamford Bridge, against a side like Chelsea, is no easy feat. You went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the league. You should be proud."

The players, still catching their breath, listened in silence.

"But," Pearson continued, scanning the room, "this is the Premier League. It's not the Championship anymore. The intensity, the speed, the quality—everything is different here. We have to adapt. This match is a lesson. We take it, we learn from it, and next time we face them, we'll be better. I believe in every single one of you."

Tristan sat in quiet contemplation, taking in Pearson's words. The coach was right—this wasn't the Championship. The step up was immense, and the only way forward was to learn and improve.But even as Pearson's voice faded into the background, Tristan's mind replayed the match. He thought of the moments where he hesitated, where his touch let him down, and where he could've done more.

On the bus ride back to Leicester, Tristan stared out the window, the glow of Stamford Bridge fading into the London skyline. The sting of the loss gnawed at him, refusing to let go.

Danny seated next to him, noticed the intense look on his face. "Don't beat yourself up, mate," Danny said, nudging him lightly. "You did well today."

Tristan shook his head, his voice low. "I don't like losing, Danny."

Danny chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Nobody does. But that's football. You learn, you grow, and then you come back stronger. We'll get them next time."

Tristan nodded slowly, his jaw tightening with determination. "Next time," he murmured, almost to himself.

As the bus rumbled on, carrying them away from the night's defeat, Tristan resolved that the next time he stepped onto a pitch like Stamford Bridge, the result would be different. 

...…

Headlines the next day were abuzz, dissecting Leicester City's narrow 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. While the result wasn't shocking—most pundits had predicted a Chelsea win—it was the manner of Leicester's performance that dominated the narrative.

"Leicester City Push Chelsea to the Brink," one headline boldly proclaimed, accompanied by detailed analysis praising the Foxes' resilience. Another article focused on their teenage star: "Tristan May Be 19, But He Plays Like a Veteran." Not all the coverage was glowing, however. A scathing piece from a tabloid sneered, "Tristan's Premier League Honeymoon Is Over—Exposed by Chelsea."

The buzz culminated in millions of fans tuning in the following evening to Match of the Day. The Leicester vs. Chelsea clash had been billed as the standout game, a thrilling battle between reigning champions and ambitious underdogs.

As the familiar theme music played, the camera panned to the studio where Gary Lineker sat with analysts Alan Shearer and Ian Wright.

"Welcome back to Match of the Day," Lineker began with his trademark grin. "Now, let's dive into Chelsea's narrow 2-1 victory over Leicester City. And I'll say this—what a game. It was far from the straightforward win most expected. Leicester didn't just show up to defend; they came to play. The attacking football they produced was something special. For any neutral fans watching, this was a proper treat—two teams going at each other."

"Absolutely," Shearer agreed, leaning forward. "You'd think a newly promoted side would struggle at Stamford Bridge, but Leicester came out fearless. This wasn't just David vs. Goliath—it was David proving he's got more than a slingshot."

Wright chuckled. "And that slingshot? It's called Tristan. What a performance from the lad! Nineteen years old and running the midfield against Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge, no less. Come on—how often do we see that?"

Lineker's tone turned more analytical. "We'll get to the goals in a moment, but first, let's focus on Tristan. Alan, what did you make of his performance?"

Shearer didn't hesitate. "At this point, I think everyone in England knows his name—and for good reason. He's got everything you'd want in an attacking midfielder: vision, composure, creativity. But what impresses me most is his football intelligence. Let me show you something."

The screen switched to a replay of Tristan picking up the ball deep in Leicester's half.

"Watch this," Shearer said, gesturing at the screen. "He's got two Chelsea players pressing him, but look at his first touch—takes them out of the game completely. And here—see how he's already scanning upfield before he's even controlled the ball? Then, this pass…"

The clip showed Tristan threading a perfectly weighted pass through Chelsea's midfield, splitting their defense and putting Jamie Vardy one-on-one with the keeper.

"That's world-class," Wright said, shaking his head in admiration. "Vardy probably should've finished that, but the pass? That's pure quality. And we've been seeing him make those kinds of plays since his debut at 18. That's why he's so sought after. He's already playing at an elite level—imagine what he'll be like in a few years."

Lineker nodded and shifted the discussion. "Of course, not everyone's been as positive. There's been some criticism—some saying he's not ready for the Premier League yet. Ian, what do you make of that?"

Wright scoffed. "It's nonsense. Two games—two—and he's already got a goal and three assists. Against Chelsea, no less! He's tracking back, connecting the play, and even throwing himself into tackles. What more do people want? The pressure these young players face is ridiculous."

"Exactly," Shearer added. "Critics are always quick to pounce, but anyone who understands the game can see how special this kid is. Look at the stats—yesterday, he had the highest rating for Leicester with a 7.3. And in the season opener against Everton? He put in a man-of-the-match performance with an 8.5 rating. He's delivering against top opposition—how is that not enough?"

The screen now showed Tristan making a crucial defensive interception just outside Leicester's penalty area.

"And it's not just about flair," Shearer continued. "Watch this—he tracks back, reads the play, and times his tackle perfectly. Then, immediately, he's looking to spring a counterattack. That's not just talent; that's football intelligence. You can't teach that."

Wright nodded. "And let's not forget he's doing this under immense scrutiny. Every game, people are waiting for him to crack, but he's thriving instead. That takes serious mental toughness."

Lineker leaned back and smiled at the camera. "Well said. Tristan's already proving to be one of the most exciting young talents in the league. Now, let's move on to the goals, starting with Hazard's opener..."

At home, Tristan watched the broadcast with a faint smile. Messages poured in on his phone, but he ignored most of them for now. Instead, he leaned back on the sofa, his thoughts drifting as the pundits dissected his performance.

It was funny, he thought, how quickly the narrative could shift. One day, they were hailing him as the future of English football; the next, they were tearing him down for not single-handedly beating Chelsea.

"Typical, bastards," Tristan muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Build you up just to tear you down."

He understood the game, though—both on the pitch and off it. The media's hot-and-cold treatment wasn't personal; it was just how they operated.One bad game—or even just a tough result—and suddenly, you were a fraud.

He made a point to maintain a good relationship with the media. Polite answers in interviews, the occasional witty comment to keep things light—that was all part of the job. But when it came to their opinions of him? He took the praise and the criticism with the same grain of salt.

His phone buzzed again—a tweet from Gary Lineker praising Leicester's fight and his standout performance. Tristan allowed himself a small moment of satisfaction. He appreciated the respect from legends like Lineker, Shearer, and Wright. Their words carried weight.

Just as Tristan was about to put his phone down, the screen lit up with an incoming call. The name made him do a double take: Kendall Jenner.

He hesitated, his thumb hovering over the screen, before answering. "Kendall? Hey."

"Hey, Tristan," her voice came through, warm and familiar, tinged with that signature Californian lilt. "I saw the game yesterday."

Tristan raised an eyebrow, leaning back on his couch. "You watched the match?" His tone betrayed his surprise. "Didn't think football was your thing."

Kendall laughed softly, a light, melodic sound. "It's not, to be honest. But I heard you were playing against Chelsea, and I wanted to see how you did."

He felt a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Well, that's unexpected. Thanks, I guess. Though you probably saw us lose."

"Yep, but I did enjoy the game,it was fun to watch" Kendall replied, "You were really good, Tristan. I don't know much about football, but you didn't look out of place. Chelsea's one of the big teams, right?"

"Yeah, one of the biggest," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck instinctively. "We put up a good fight but didn't get the result. It was close, but not quite enough."

Kendall's tone softened. "Don't let it get to you. Even if people are being harsh online—and trust me, I know how that feels—you're doing amazing. Seriously, you've got this. You'll bounce back."

Her words, though unexpected, felt sincere. Tristan chuckled, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Kendall. That actually means a lot."

There was a brief pause before Kendall spoke again, her voice brightening. "So, this might sound random, but I'll be in Milan next month for Fashion Week. If you're not too busy with training or matches, maybe you could come to one of my shows?"

Tristan hesitated, caught off guard. His first instinct was to decline—but a break might not be the worst idea. Between training, matches, and the relentless media pressure, he'd been running on fumes. Plus, he did want visit Milan and going there during Fashion Week wouldn't be that bad of a idea.

"Yeah, why not?" he said finally, surprising even himself. "I could use a change of scenery."

"Really? That's great!" Kendall sounded genuinely excited. "I'll send you the tickets and details. Trust me, Milan during Fashion Week is something else—you'll love it."

Tristan leaned back, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The decision had come easier than he'd expected. Sure, the allure of fashion endorsements and elevating his off-pitch profile had crossed his mind. Being marketable wasn't just about football—it was about building a brand. And this? This could be a first step.

"Alright, Kendall," he said, his tone lighter now. "Send me the details. I'll figure it out."

"Perfect," she replied, and he could hear the smile in her voice. "You won't regret it."

Tristan stared at his phone for a moment, then sighed as the call ended.

Meanwhile Kendall back in the United States had a different expression from that moment she heard Tristan's voice. She had known that Tristan wasn't interested the same way she had hoped. After that night, it had become clear: their lives were heading in different directions. They were from two separate worlds, and trying to make a high-profile, long-distance relationship work was a sacrifice neither of them could afford. It wasn't something she was willing to do and to her neither was Tristan.

But inviting him now wasn't about kindling anything. It wasn't about trying to force something that wasn't meant to be. This was simply about trying to maintain a friendship. She remembered the night they had dinner, how Tristan had casually mentioned wanting to visit Milan. It had stuck with her, and this invitation was her way of showing him that, despite the distance and differences they could still remain friends.

For Tristan, it was an opportunity to step out of his bubble, even just for a weekend. What he'd find in Milan, though, was anyone's guess. Not knowing he'll be meeting the love of his life and his future wife there.

A few days later, English football was rocked by the official end of an era. Frank Lampard, the 36-year-old Chelsea legend and stalwart of England's midfield, announced his retirement from international football. The announcement came just weeks after Steven Gerrard, his longtime teammate and rival, had made the same decision. For fans, it was a double blow—the final curtain on England's so-called "golden generation."

The press conference, held in a packed room at Wembley Stadium, was somber yet dignified. Lampard sat beside England manager Roy Hodgson, fielding questions with his characteristic humility.

"It's time," Lampard began, his voice steady but reflective. "Time for the younger generation to step up and take this team forward. Wearing the England shirt for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor of my life, but now feels like the right moment to step aside."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the room as journalists raised their hands. Hodgson nodded to a reporter from The Guardian.

"Frank, how difficult was this decision, especially coming so soon after Steven Gerrard's announcement? Did you discuss it with him?"

Lampard nodded. "Steven and I have talked, of course. We've been through so much together over the years. His decision made me reflect on my own position, but ultimately, this is something I've been considering for a while. It's not easy, but I feel it's the right thing to do for myself and for England."

Another reporter from The Times jumped in. "After 106 caps and 29 goals, do you feel there's unfinished business with England? Any regrets?"

Lampard smiled faintly. "Every player wants to win trophies with their country—that's the dream. We didn't quite achieve what we hoped for, and that's disappointing. But I've no regrets about giving everything I had on the pitch. The memories, the friendships, the pride of wearing the shirt—they'll stay with me forever."

A journalist from Sky Sports leaned forward. "You've mentioned stepping aside for the next generation. Do you see any particular players as ready to carry England forward?"

Lampard hesitated for a moment, then answered. "There are a few, but players like Tristan stand out. He's got the talent, the hunger, and the right attitude. I think he and others in this new generation can achieve great things."

The mention of Tristan caused a stir among the media, with talks about the young star who had already been labeled England's future.

As the press conference wrapped up, the footballing world turned its attention to social media, where reactions flooded in from all corners. Fans expressed their emotions in heartfelt tributes and debates:

@LampardAGoAt: "First Gerrard, now Lampard. This is the end of my childhood. Thank you for the memories, legends. 😭💔 #ThankYouLampard #ThankYouGerrard"

@FootyForever: "The golden generation may not have won it all, but they gave us unforgettable moments. 🙌 #EnglandLegends"

@TheTristanEffect: "No pressure, Tristan… but Gerrard and Lampard just handed you the keys to the England midfield. Time to shine." 🏆

Players also took to Twitter to pay tribute to the two legends:

Steven Gerrard (@Gerrard8): "Frank, you've been an inspiration and a rival in the best sense of the word. Proud to have shared so many battles with you. Enjoy what's next, mate. #Legend"

Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney): "What a career for England. Two legends stepping aside, but the future is bright thanks to their influence. #ThankYouLampard #ThankYouGerrard"

Tristan, too, joined the conversation with a heartfelt tweet that quickly went viral:

Tristan (@Tristan_22): "Thank you both for paving the way. Legends on and off the pitch. It's an honor to follow in your footsteps. #ThankYouLampard #ThankYouGerrard 🙌⚽️"

Media outlets were quick to pick up on the reactions, running headlines that framed the retirements as the definitive end of an era:

BBC Sport: "Lampard and Gerrard Retire: England's Golden Generation Bows Out"

The Telegraph: "Frank Lampard Passes the Torch

Sky Sports: "England's Midfield Icons Depart: What's Next for the Three Lions?"

Former players also chimed in with their thoughts. Rio Ferdinand tweeted, "Two of the best midfielders this country has ever seen. We were lucky to have them."

As the football world grappled with the reality of losing two of its greatest midfielders, one thing was certain: all eyes were now on the next generation. 

On August 28, the announcement of the new England national team roster marked the beginning of a new era for the Three Lions. With the retirement of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, the team bid farewell to two of its greatest midfield generals and ushered in a period of renewal and transition.

The biggest news was Wayne Rooney's appointment as England captain, cementing his leadership for both club and country. Recently handed the armband at Manchester United by Louis van Gaal, Rooney now carried the dual responsibility of leading the Red Devils and the Three Lions. Gary Cahill, Chelsea's defensive stalwart, was named vice-captain, a decision widely applauded across the English footballing world.

At the press conference, England manager Roy Hodgson addressed the media with a confident smile. "Wayne is a natural leader," he said. "His experience, passion, and ability to inspire those around him make him the perfect choice to captain this team. With Gary as vice-captain, I believe we have the right leadership to guide this group forward."

Reporters fired questions eagerly.

"Roy, was there any doubt about Wayne being the captain after Gerrard and Lampard retired?" asked a journalist from The Times.

"None at all," Hodgson replied firmly. "Wayne's seniority, his accomplishments, and his commitment to the national team speak for themselves. He's the right man for the job."

The conversation quickly turned to the squad itself. Alongside the established names, Hodgson had called up several fresh faces: Arsenal's Calum Chambers, Tottenham's Danny Rose, Newcastle's Jack Colback, and Aston Villa's Fabian Delph were all included. The manager explained, "The European qualifiers give us a chance to integrate new talent into the team. These players have shown promise at their clubs, and I want to see how they perform at this level."

Tristan and Jamie Vardy, were once again selected, building on their breakout performances at the World Cup. The announcement of their inclusion brought cheers from Leicester fans and excitement from neutrals across the country.

In an exclusive interview, Hodgson highlighted Tristan's role in the squad. "Tristan's emergence during the World Cup was remarkable. He's no longer just a young talent—he's an integral part of this team. His creativity, composure, and vision are assets we'll rely on heavily as we build for the future."

What made this call-up even more special for Tristan was how it happened. Unlike his first selection, when an assistant coach had made the call, this time it was Hodgson himself, a proof of his new status.

...…

Not sure how good that quality is. I was writing this chapter during class, so I really didn't have time to edit and check it properly. I will edit and fix if there any mistakes, please do let me know.