England's Greatest

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On the pitch, Tristan approached Hart, a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Joe, it's not your fault! You did all you could," he said, his voice calming amidst the chaos around them.

Upfield, Gerrard, the captain, wasted no time trying to rally his team. "Come on, lads! It's just a draw now. We only need one more!" His voice was strong, trying to cut through the disbelief that had settled over the English players. 

But despite Gerrard's rallying call, the momentum had shifted. Colombia, rejuvenated by Rodriguez's wonder goal, pressed forward relentlessly.

England's formation began to bend under the pressure. Tristan, aware of the danger, urgently shouted instructions to his teammates, pulling the wingers back into a more defensive 4-5-1 shape, trying to absorb the Colombian onslaught. But the narrative was clear to the commentators.

Then, in the 62nd minute, the real drama unfolded.

Rooney, one of England's key players, suddenly pulled up while pressing the Colombian defender high up the pitch. He winced but tried to play through the pain for a few minutes. Eventually, he couldn't continue and sank down onto the grass, clutching the back of his left thigh.

The referee stopped play, and Tristan quickly jogged over to check on him. "Rooney, you alright?" he asked with genuine concern.

Rooney shook his head, frustration etched across his face. "It's a strain," he muttered, rubbing his right thigh.Anger flared in his eyes as he slammed his fist into the grass. "Damn it!"

The medical team rushed onto the field, examining him carefully. After a few minutes, the team doctor confirmed the diagnosis: a slight muscle strain in the thigh. It wasn't a severe injury, but it would rule him out for at least a week or two. Rooney knew what that meant—his World Cup was over.

As the team doctor signaled for a substitution, England's manager, Roy Hodgson, turned to his assistant in frustration. "Who do we send on?" he muttered, scanning the bench.

They had three strikers available: Welbeck, Lambert, and Vardy. Each had their strengths, but this was a critical moment. The pressure was mounting, and every decision would count.

"Welbeck?" Hodgson mused. Then there was Lambert, or Vardy, who had an excellent understanding with Tristan.

Hodgson's decision came quickly. "It's got to be Vardy. His pace can exploit Colombia's slow center backs. Plus, his pressing and aggression are perfect for this stage of the game. He and Tristan link up well—remember that equalizer against Italy? That point got us here."

His assistant, Livington, agreed, waving to Vardy on the sideline. "Jamie, get ready! You're going in."

Vardy's face lit up with determination. "Yes, Coach!" he replied, sprinting back to the bench to grab his No. 21 jersey. He pulled it on quickly, his heart racing. This was his chance.

As the fourth official held up the substitution board, Rooney limped over to Tristan, offering him a quick hug. "It's up to you guys now," he said quietly, his disappointment clear.

Tristan nodded firmly, watching as Rooney made his way to the sideline. The crowd applauded their legend as he high-fived Vardy, who jogged onto the field, eager to make an impact.

The commentators didn't miss a beat. "England forced into an early change, with Jamie Vardy replacing the injured Wayne Rooney. Vardy, 27, has had a remarkable season, helping Leicester City to a Championship and FA Cup double while also taking home the Championship Golden Boot. In the first match against Italy, it was his equalizer, set up by Tristan, that kept England alive in this tournament."

Vardy ran past Tristan, exchanging a quick high-five. He positioned himself at the front of the formation, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. This was a knockout match in the World Cup—an opportunity many players only dream of.

Hodgson had placed his faith in him, and now it was time to prove himself on the world's biggest stage.

This could be his once-in-a-lifetime moment.

He couldn't help but make up his mind to perform well and shine as much as possible on this grand stage. However, after Vardy came onto the pitch, Tristan found himself without a single chance to touch the ball. Colombia still dominated possession, keeping England pinned in their own half for the next ten minutes.

But even with limited opportunities, Tristan stayed disciplined, following the coach's instructions. He kept running relentlessly, pressing the Colombian players, becoming the first line of England's defense. Seeing this, Vardy joined him, and soon the entire team shifted from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation.

The twin Leicester stars pressed Colombia's midfielders hard, forcing them to rush their passes, leading to several errors. The pressure from Tristan and Vardy helped relieve the strain on England's midfield and defense. James Rodriguez found himself closely marked, and the Colombian midfielders struggled to cope with the intense pressing. As a result, they resorted to passing wide to Cuadrado and Martinez, hoping the wingers could break through England's compact defensive lines.

But England had eight players stationed in the middle and back, ready to shut down any Colombian attack. Cuadrado and Martinez were smothered by two or three defenders every time they got the ball, leaving them with little room to operate. After several fruitless attempts to break through, Colombia could only pass the ball back and recycle possession, waiting for an opening. The game fell into a tense stalemate, with Colombia pressing but unable to create any clear chances.

England, meanwhile, waited patiently for a counterattack opportunity. In the 73rd minute, Cuadrado made a desperate run down the right flank and whipped in a cross. Left-back Baines managed to deflect it out for a corner.

"It's a corner for Colombia," the commentator announced, the tension in his voice evident. "This could be a game-changer!"

As Colombia prepared for the corner, their center-backs pushed forward, ready to attack the cross. Tristan, stationed just outside the penalty area, shouted Vardy's name. Vardy glanced over, catching the raised eyebrow from Tristan. Their understanding from countless Leicester games together was instant. They both knew what was coming.

James Rodriguez took the corner, sending the ball sailing into the box. Colombia's captain, Yepes, rose above the crowd and headed the ball toward the goal. The stadium held its breath. The ball slammed against the crossbar with a loud "thud" and rebounded out. Chaos erupted in the box.

Gerrard reacted first, clearing the ball upfield towards the left side. Tristan had already anticipated it, sprinting at full pace toward the sideline.

"Here comes Tristan Hale!" the commentator shouted. "Look at him go!"

Colombian right-back Zuniga noticed the danger. He raced after Tristan, knowing that if Tristan got to the ball first, England would have a golden chance to counterattack. The crowd roared as Tristan extended his leg, just managing to keep the ball in play.

"Brilliant control!" the commentator exclaimed.

Zuniga closed in fast, blocking Tristan's passing lane. But Tristan flicked the ball past him with the outside of his foot and accelerated down the wing.

"Too quick! He's past Zuniga!" another commentator yelled.

Panicking, Zuniga lunged in with a reckless sliding tackle, determined to stop Tristan at any cost. His legs scissored toward Tristan's ankles, but just as he made contact, a system prompt rang in Tristan's mind:

[Danger! Malicious tackle detected! Anti-injury card activated!]

In an instant, instead of feeling pain, Tristan kept his balance, only stumbling slightly. Zuniga, however, collapsed on the pitch, clutching his own ankle in agony.

"Ooooh!" gasped the commentator. "What a turn of events! Zuniga's down, and Tristan's still going!"

Tristan wasted no time, threading a perfectly timed through ball into the path of Vardy, who had sprinted past the Colombian defense. The crowd erupted as Vardy raced towards the goal, one-on-one with Ospina.

"Vardy's through! This is it!"

Vardy remained calm, slotting the ball low under Ospina's arm and into the back of the net.

"GOAL!!!" the commentator screamed. "Jamie Vardy has put England ahead once again!"

The stadium exploded with cheers. Fans were on their feet, waving flags and chanting.

"Vardy scores with his first touch of the game! England takes the lead once more—2-1!"

As the replay flashed across the screens, the commentators continued in awe:

"What a counterattack! It all started with Gerrard's clearance, then Tristan Hale's unbelievable burst of pace down the left. That through ball was pure magic."

"They knew exactly what they were doing. Hale and Vardy—the chemistry between these two is electric!"

Meanwhile, Colombian players rushed to the referee, protesting furiously.

"That was a foul on Zuniga!" they shouted. "He got injured—surely there was a foul!"

But the referee waved them off, signaling for play to continue. "I saw it clearly," he told the players. "Your player committed the foul, not England's No. 22."

The commentators weighed in on the replays. "It's clear as day," one of them said. "Zuniga went in for a dangerous tackle from behind, and he's the one who came out injured. No foul on Tristan Hale there. If anything, Zuniga is lucky to escape without a red card."

As the Colombian protests died down, the English team celebrated on the pitch. Tristan and Vardy exchanged grins, knowing they had turned the game around.

"This is why Tristan Hale is being touted as one of the rising stars of English football," the commentator concluded. "He's got the vision, the pace, and the intelligence.This entire game, he put England on his back with one goal and assist, what a game he has been having."

The camera panned to the fans, who were chanting Tristan's name. The commentator couldn't help but add:

"Tristan Hale—remember that name. He's just getting started."

When Zuniga was carried off the field on a stretcher by the team doctor, the referee didn't forget to flash a yellow card for his reckless tackle. The stadium echoed with mixed reactions, boos from the Colombian fans, while England's supporters cheered on, satisfied with the decision.

Tristan, having just celebrated with his teammates, wore a composed expression. Outwardly, he appeared calm, but inside he was laughing.

As the game restarted, a thought crossed Tristan's mind. Wait a minute… He suddenly remembered something.

Zuniga was the one who injured Neymar in this World Cup, right?

The infamous tackle that forced Brazil's star out of the tournament had stirred global outrage. Tristan pondered for a moment. Now that Zuniga's been stretchered off, will that moment even happen? Will Neymar avoid that brutal injury this time?

Regardless of whether Zúñiga was injured in this tackle, one thing was clear: he could not foul Neymar.

Because, once Colombia is beaten by England, they will go straight home.

Brazil's next opponent? The Three Lions, with Tristan!

Zúñiga's reckless flying tackle on Tristan, which injured the Colombian defender and led to his early exit from the game, became a defining moment of this World Cup. His departure was symbolic of how Colombia's frustrations boiled over.

Colombian head coach Pekerman was forced to make a substitution, bringing in a full-back to replace the injured Zúñiga. Meanwhile, England, now with the lead, made their own changes. Gerrard and Sturridge, both running on empty, were replaced by center-back Smalling and midfielder Milner. Hodgson's tactical shift was clear: change to a 5-4-1 formation to shore up the defense and protect the lead.

"The game has become a battle of attrition now, England are packing the defense, knowing their opponent will throw everything forward."

Colombia, trailing once again, began to push forward with a renewed sense of urgency. But England's strategy was simple yet effective: defend and counter. Vardy, stationed high up the pitch, was ready to pounce at the slightest opportunity. His presence alone made the Colombian defense uneasy, knowing any mistake could result in a devastating counterattack.

Though Colombia dominated possession with over 70%, their shots were mostly blocked by the resilient English defense. Every time they regained the ball, the Three Lions quickly looked to release the ball to Tristan, who, with his precise passing, would send a ball over the top or through the channels to Vardy.

"What we're seeing here is textbook counter-attacking football," the analyst noted, as Vardy launched another threatening break. "England are playing a dangerous game, but with players like Vardy and the vision of Tristan, they have all the tools to punish Colombia."

The counterattacks were relentless, and Vardy had several shots on goal. If not for the sharp reflexes of Ospina, Colombia would have found themselves even further behind. England, however, faced a dilemma. While they wanted to press forward to secure the game, they had to be cautious, knowing that if they committed too many players to the attack, Vardy's pace could exploit the space left behind.

"You can see the balance of power shifting now," said Taylor as Colombia frantically pushed forward. "The question is, can England hang on, or will they get caught out in the dying moments?"

The tension mounted, and it wasn't until the 83rd minute that Pekerman made a desperate call: he substituted full-back Almeró and midfielder Aguilar for two forwards, Quintero and Ramos, signaling an all-out assault on England's goal.

But the gamble didn't pay off. Rather than finding more shooting opportunities, Colombia's offensive attempts only clogged up the attacking third. Their 45-degree crosses were predictable and easily read by the English defense. With wingers dropping back to help defend, Colombia's attempts to deliver quality crosses were nullified.

Even the towering presence of Ramos, at 186cm, struggled to find space amidst England's defense. Chris Smalling, who had been subbed in earlier, proved to be a key figure. His aerial dominance and precise clearances kept Colombia from creating any meaningful chances.

"England's defense is solid. They've mastered the art of shutting down their opponents while still being dangerous on the break," the commentator continued, watching as yet another Colombian cross was intercepted by Smalling. "And when they counter, they strike with deadly precision."

As the clock ticked down, Colombia's frustration grew. Zapata, in particular, was feeling the pressure. Desperate to regain possession and slow down Vardy, he lashed out and fouled the English striker with a shove that sent Vardy tumbling to the ground. The referee, already signaling for a foul, then saw Zapata's aggression and handed him a yellow card.

A second yellow followed moments later for a reckless challenge. "Zapata's temper has cost his team dearly, a red card, and just like that, Colombia are reduced to 10 men."

With only 10 men on the field, Colombia's hopes of making a comeback were dashed. England, with a renewed sense of control, saw out the final moments of the match.

As the final whistle blew, the Maracanã erupted in thunderous cheers.

Vardy, who had scored the decisive goal, knelt on the pitch, his fists clenched in triumph. "Yeah!!!" he roared, his excitement spilling over as he realized what he had just achieved.

Tristan, standing nearby, walked over to his teammate, putting his arm around him in celebration. With a wide grin, he exclaimed, "Jamie, we made it! We're through to the quarterfinals!"

On the sidelines, the entire bench, including the injured Rooney, stormed onto the pitch, jumping up and down in jubilation. The atmosphere was electric, and the joy was palpable.

But the contrast was stark on the Colombian side. Many players were left slumped on the pitch, overcome by emotion. James Rodriguez, who had scored a stunning goal earlier in the match, sat despondently on the grass. He watched as the jubilant English players celebrated, his face contorted with disbelief and frustration.

"I played so well, but we lost..." James thought, the weight of the defeat sinking in. His eyes welled with tears, and he quickly lifted his jersey to hide his face from the cameras.

Noticing this, Tristan approached James, offering a gentle pat on his shoulder. "Hey, man!" he said, his voice calm and reassuring. Since Tristan didn't speak Spanish, he kept it simple, using a combination of hand gestures and broken English: "You did great! Amazing goal!"

James, momentarily taken aback, found himself wanting to smile despite his sorrow. Seeing Tristan trying to imitate his world-class goal with playful gestures, he couldn't help but laugh a little.

James exchanged jerseys with Tristan with a photographer capturing moment.

Meanwhile, the post-match analysis began:

"The game is over!" Martin Taylor announced excitedly. "With goals from Tristan and Vardy, England has triumphed 2-1 over Colombia and booked their spot in the quarterfinals!"

"Their next challenge will be the hosts of this World Cup, Brazil!" Taylor continued, his tone building the anticipation for what was to come.

"The star of the match was, once again, 19-year-old Tristan. A goal and an assist, and he was impeccable on both ends of the pitch."

"In this battle between two rising stars, it was Tristan who came out on top, outshining James Rodriguez in what was a masterclass of a perfomance."

"Remember this day, folks," Taylor concluded with a smile. "We may just have witnessed the birth of a superstar."

"Tristan Hale once again is the man of the match, with a 9 rating. What an incredible game and tournament he's been having. Three man of the match award in a row; he's been carrying England on his shoulders; you can't ask more from the youngster."

After the final whistle, Roy Hodgson couldn't suppress his wide grin. His face, flushed with pride, reflected the sheer weight lifted off his shoulders. The pressure that had been building steadily throughout the tournament seemed to vanish with England's hard-fought victory.

The English Football Association had set a modest target: reach the Round of 16. But now, having advanced further than anyone had dared expect — defeating Colombia to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

This was a monumental achievement. The golden generation, which boasted a glittering roster of talents like Beckham, Ferdinand, Terry, and Owen, had reached the World Cup quarterfinals only once. Now, with a team brimming with young promise, Hodgson had defied the odds and taken them beyond that mark.

As England's head coach, Hodgson was rightly credited for the team's success. But deep down, he knew that this victory wasn't simply a result of his tactical acumen. It was thanks to one player — a 19-year-old who had lit up the tournament with unexpected brilliance: Tristan Hale. The raw talent of the young playmaker had transformed Hodgson's tactical vision into something potent and effective. What had once seemed like an abstract 4-2-3-1 formation now had a clear focal point: a player capable of dictating the tempo, providing pinpoint passes, and creating chances seemingly out of nowhere.

Tristan's performances had captured the imagination of the football world. It was clear: England had found their new superstar. The media frenzy around him was unlike anything seen since the rise of Michael Owen in 1998, but with one key difference — social media.

As soon as the match ended, Tristan's name began trending across every platform. Hashtags like #TristanHale and #England's 22 flooded the internet, propelling him to the forefront of the football conversation. The press couldn't get enough of the young talent who had turned heads with his ability to shine under pressure.

In the post-match press conference, when journalists asked Hodgson about the victory and England's future, he wasted no time in acknowledging Tristan's pivotal role.

"Tristan is, without a doubt, the most talented young player I've had the privilege of coaching," Hodgson said, his tone full of admiration. "His potential is limitless. He's going to be a cornerstone for England moving forward, and I have no doubt he'll be a superstar in the years to come."

It wasn't just Hodgson singing Tristan's praises. From the FA to fans across the country, everyone believed that the young midfielder was the key to England's future success. If the team could be built around him, there was a real belief that England could lift a major trophy once again.

The public's recognition of Hodgson's words was swift and unquestioned, but it wasn't just about England's progress in the tournament. The media was quick to latch onto the story of the young phenom who had captured the imagination of the nation. And this time, the reaction was even more intense than it had been for Owen, thanks to the ever-growing reach of the internet.

Back at the hotel, the players were met with a sea of reporters as they returned from the match. The atmosphere was electric, the air thick with the sound of clicking cameras and shouted questions. The media frenzy was at its peak, but it was Tristan who seemed to draw the most attention. As soon as he stepped off the bus, it felt as if the entire press corps converged on him in an instant. Flashbulbs went off in a strobe-like rhythm, blinding Tristan as he navigated through the swarm of reporters.

"Tristan! Over here!"

"Tristan! Look this way!"

"Tristan! Can we get a word with you?"

The reporters surged forward, eager to capture a glimpse of the new face of English football. The questions came fast and furious, and the cameras were relentless. For someone as young as Tristan, the experience was overwhelming. But amidst the chaos, one thing was certain: Tristan Hale had truly announced himself to the world."

Tristan, who had been specifically instructed by Hodgson to avoid speaking with the media, quickly raised his hands to shield his eyes from the barrage of flashbulbs. With his teammates in tow, he hurried into the hotel, eager to escape the overwhelming attention.

That evening, to celebrate England's advancement into the quarterfinals, the entire squad gathered in the hotel's banquet hall for a rare celebratory party. In a surprising gesture, Hodgson even allowed each player to have a bottle of soda and a slice of pizza.

Soda and pizza were, of course, a far cry from the disciplined, low-calorie meals that professional players typically consumed. These indulgences could easily lead to weight gain and disrupt the careful balance that professional athletes maintained throughout their seasons. During the intense training periods and league competitions,most players avoided fast food, sugary drinks, and alcohol.

It was only in the off-season, when the pressure of the season had subsided, that players allowed themselves to enjoy such guilty pleasures. This was also why many athletes found themselves struggling with weight gain in the offseason, only to face the challenge of shedding pounds once they returned to training.

But tonight, it was all about celebration, and the players made the most of it.

After the party, Tristan felt a sense of relief as the noise and chaos of the celebration died down. The team had finally settled in for the night, but he wasn't ready to retreat to his room just yet. He wanted some time to unwind, to think, and to just enjoy a quiet moment with his parents.

His mother, Julia, and his father, Ling, had flown in for the tournament. They'd been in the stands for most of the matches, offering quiet support, and Tristan always felt better after seeing their familiar faces. Tonight, he wasn't in the mood for the usual media frenzy or the pressure of his rising fame; he just wanted to be with his family.

Tristan found them in the hotel's lobby, sipping on some herbal tea and chatting quietly. Julia's eyes lit up when she saw him, and Ling gave him a subtle nod of acknowledgment.

"There he is, our hero!" Julia exclaimed, her voice soft but filled with pride. She stood and pulled him into a warm hug.

Tristan chuckled, feeling the familiar comfort of his mother's embrace. "I don't know about hero, Mum. It's just another match."

"You've done so much more than that, love," she replied, holding him at arm's length to inspect him with a smile. "I can hardly believe it. Quarterfinals. You're making history."

Ling nodded, his expression calm, but his eyes betrayed his pride. "You've worked for this, Tristan. Both on the field and off. No one else could have done what you've done these past few weeks."

For the first time in days, Tristan felt a sense of peace with his parents.

Julia leaned back in her chair and looked at him, her tone more reflective now. "So, what's next for you, Tristan? You've made an impact here, and clubs are watching. We had a small talk with Mendes about that. Do you have a plan after the tournament?"

"Yeah, but I don't plan on leaving the team yet; two more years and I move to a bigger club. Besides, I don't think you want me to leave Leicester, mom." Tristan answered.

Before his parents could say anything, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and saw Mendes's name. His stomach did a small flip.

"I'll take this," Tristan said, standing up. He motioned to his parents with a reassuring smile. "It's Mendes. I'll be right back."

He stepped outside onto the balcony of the hotel, the cool night air a stark contrast to the warmth inside. As soon as he answered, Mendes's voice came through, upbeat and excited.

....

Chapter 3 has been edited, I do this everyday, I edit a old chapter everyday just to get it over with.

Also Wesley_Celular, fuck you, dude dropped a one star review just because he saw it was a chinese translated story, mf didn't even read a single fucking chapter. 

I don't like deleting reviews, I never until today with this piece of shit, hell there is a 2 star review right now and I never even thought about deleting it cause guy was saying his opinions and that is your guys right as readers. But for this guy, at least read fucking the story, you ugly ass bitch. I will never delete a review unless its something like this shit. 

Dude dropped the story from a rating of 4.8 to a fucking 3.9, I had to delete it, piece of shit. I feel sorry for the mother who raised you, waste of money, time, and love. 

And other than that, stay safe and stay strong especially if you are in the US.