Chapter 106 The first day in the Three Lions [4,000-word chapter]
“Congratulations, son, you can go to Brazil!”
While Ling Feng was hugging his parents While they were jumping around together, the mobile phone on the table sounded text message notifications one after another.
When I turned on my phone, I saw congratulatory text messages from teammates, coaches, friends and even opponents.
Pearson, Walsh, Mahrez, Ramsey, Maguire, Lingard
In half a season, without realizing it, his network of contacts has expanded a lot.
Before Ling Feng could reply one by one, an unfamiliar number suddenly called.
Ling Feng quickly gestured to his excited mother to calm her down a little before pressing the answer button.
“Hello?”
“Is it Ling Feng?”
"I am, who are you?"
"I am Ray Livington, the assistant coach of the England team."
Hearing this, Ling Feng couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, "Oh, Hello Mr. Livington."
"First of all, I would like to congratulate you on being called up to the adult team."
"Thank you very much."
"Then, I'm calling to inform you that you will report to the St. George Park training base at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."
"We will conduct a half-month training camp at St. George Park. During the training period , all players are not allowed to leave the base, so you'd better bring certain daily necessities."
"Before leaving for Brazil, you will be given a chance to go home and pack your luggage, so you don't need to bring too much personal belongings. The items are coming in."
"Understood, I will be on time"
"Very well, Mr. Hodgson and we are looking forward to your arrival!"
"It's my honor."
After hanging up the phone, Julia immediately came up and asked: "Xiao Feng, who called?"
"It's the assistant coach of the representative team. , he asked me to report tomorrow."
Hearing this, Julia's eyes suddenly lit up, and then she said: "Great! Your father and I will send you there tomorrow!"
"Ignore tomorrow's matters, Feng, let's have a couple of drinks to celebrate!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lingshan was about to get some wine when he was stopped by his wife.
Julia stared at him with a serious face and asked in a deep voice:
“Do you want to ruin your son’s career?!”
Been Father Ling, who suddenly accused him, was immediately confused.
“Huh?”
"We are going to report tomorrow morning. Do you want Xiaofeng to smell of alcohol when greeting the coach and teammates?!"
After being angrily scolded by his wife, Lingshan realized what he was doing, scratched his head, and then Then I thought of a solution:
"Can we drink some champagne?"
Drinking a glass of champagne during celebration is a custom in both China and the West.
Julia lowered her head and thought for a moment, then raised her index finger and said, “I can only have one drink!”
"Three cups!"
"Two cups!"
"Deal!"
Watching his parents' "skirt" throughout the whole process, Ling Feng's lips turned up unconsciously. , showing a smile.
He was very fortunate that his family atmosphere was still very relaxed and harmonious.
Parents’ support and understanding are always the most powerful backing for their children!
At this moment, his cell phone rang again.
The caller was none other than another British Championship player who was selected into the World Cup squad with Ling Feng and his club teammate - Jamie Vardy!
“Hey, man!”
“What a special night!”
"I just called to say thank you for those assists. Being able to participate in the World Cup means a lot to me. Without you, I simply couldn't do it."
Faced with Vardy's affectionate confession, Ling Feng smiled and then said
"No problem, buddy, Ling Feng passes the ball and is at your service at any time."
"Hahaha"
"Then Shall we meet tomorrow?”
"See you tomorrow!"
. . .
As England's final twenty-three-man squad for the World Cup was released, it immediately aroused heated discussions among the domestic media and football circles in England.
There are basically no big surprises in this big list.
While people felt sorry for the loss of Carrick, Barkley, Chamberlain and others, they also praised Hodgson's decision to listen to public opinions and recruit Lingfeng and Vardy into the final roster.
Leicester City die-hard and famous Lineker tweeted directly, claiming that Hodgson made Ling Feng's wisest decision since taking office!
Most media and football commentators are optimistic about Ling Feng's selection.
Originally, many people thought that Ling Feng had not experienced the baptism of the Premier League and could not adapt to the pressure of such an important competition as the World Cup.
However, after the fierce battle with Arsenal in the FA Cup, their attitude instantly changed 180 degrees.
During the 120 minutes of the game, Ling Feng fully demonstrated his various abilities:
Mature and steady style of play!
Imaginative passing!
Fighting spirit in the face of adversity!
Run tirelessly!
Big heart at critical moments!
These advantages are all concentrated in a young player who is only 18 years old!
Many people believe that Ling Feng may become famous in the World Cup like Irving, the "chasing boy" back then!
The premise is that Hodgson is willing to give him playing time.
It is worth mentioning that Ling Feng’s butterfly flapped its wings and once again changed Vardy’s destiny !
You know, in the original history, Vardy was not selected for the England team for the first time until May next year and made his debut for the national team.
However, under Ling Feng's crazy feeding this season, he not only won the Golden Boot of the English Championship with a record-breaking 31 goals, but also won the Golden Boot of the FA Cup.
Especially the two goals scored in the FA Cup final allowed Hodgson to see how strong this grassroots forward who has worked his way up from the fifth tier league is at seizing opportunities.
So, a spot to Brazil was reserved for the 27-year-old forward!
And Vardy once again achieved a career leap!
From a player in the fifth tier league, to the Golden Boot of the British Championship, to being selected for England’s World Cup squad, Vardy’s inspirational story has become another object of touted by the media
. . .
The next day.
Eight thirty in the morning.
A black Lexus slowly stopped in front of the main entrance of the reception area of the St. George Park training base.
Then, the car door opened.
Ling Feng, dressed in sportswear, got out of the car carrying a backpack.
As a "newcomer" and "rookie" who was selected for the England team for the first time, Ling Feng chose to come to the base half an hour early.
Actually, before he even got off the bus, he saw a man wearing a Three Lions T-shirt standing next to the main entrance of the base, holding a camera.
With a raised brow, Ling Feng raised his chin and said hello:
"Hey, man, how are you? What are you filming?"
< br>
"Thank you for your concern. I'm fine. I'm the team's photographer. My name is Johnson. This is to record the entire team's World Cup journey."
Hearing this, Ling Feng's face He suddenly showed a look of surprise:
"Oh, that's it. Nice to meet you, Johnson. I thought my fans were so powerful that they could even disguise themselves and enter the country's training base. "
"Hahaha" After making a joke with the photographer, Ling Feng came to the trunk and took the suitcase from his father's hand.
"Stay well inside, see you then."
"Okay."
After hugging his parents one by one, Ling Feng pulled his suitcase and turned towards the main entrance of the base.
At this time, the team photographer did not forget to ask:
"Hey, Ling, this is your first time being called up by the England team, what do you think?"
Faced with this question, Ling Feng just smiled charmingly at the camera, and then responded:
"Excited and excited. However, I am ready."
"If you want me to give it, Would you like to take a photo in front of the Three Lions emblem on the wall?"
Ling Feng wanted to refuse, but thinking that he still had to gain followers, he readily accepted the proposal:
" Of course!”
Standing in front of the wall to the side, with the Three Lions emblem behind him.
Following the photographer's instructions, Ling Feng crossed his arms, put on a cool look, and took a photo with the Three Lions emblem.
After taking the photo, he bumped fists with the cameraman and walked into the reception area of the base.
What comes into view is a spacious lobby like a hotel.
The entire decoration style is simple and new.
Just like the FA's determination to reform from the inside out.
This is the first time in his career that he has been selected for the national team.
Compared with other England internationals who have been selected for U17 and U21 youth teams at all levels, this is his first time coming to the St. George Park training base.
So, he is like an outsider who doesn’t understand any process and doesn’t know where to report.
Perhaps every player selected for the national team will have this strange feeling when they come to St. George's Park for the first time.
Just as Ling Feng looked up, ready to grab someone and ask, a middle-aged man with sparse hair suddenly came over:
"Hey! Ling!"
Hearing the other party With a somewhat familiar voice, Ling Feng asked with some confusion: "Mr. Livington?"
"That's right."
Shaking hands with Ling Feng, Livington smiled and said: "You came quite early."
"I don't like being late."
"Very well, you can give your sneakers to the equipment manager first, and then I will take you to your room."
"Okay. . ”
Every professional player has his own exclusive boots.
Sports boots are actually an important part of the faith on the court.
Some players believe that a certain pair of boots will bring them good luck, so they will wear a certain pair of boots until they lose.
Some players have their own preferences, such as what color sneakers they wear at home and what color they wear away from home.
Ling Feng just thinks that he is wearing a pair of pure white Mercurial VaporIX boots. , very comfortable to wear.
Of course, this pair of sneakers also accompanied him for half a season.
When he came on as a substitute for the first team in the FA Cup for the first time, he wore these shoes until the FA Cup final.
It can be said that this pair of sneakers is of great significance to him.
Of course he hopes that his success at the club will also be brought to the England national team so that he can also perform well in this World Cup.
She became famous in the World Cup, her net worth skyrocketed, attracted the attention of wealthy families, signed a sky-high endorsement deal, married Bai Fumei, and has since reached the pinnacle of her life!
Of course, this kind of self-deception is only thought of by naive people.
However, this is also a common flattery tactic used by the British media.
Before every major competition, they believe that England has a luxurious lineup and excellent paper strength, and will definitely achieve good results.
However, almost every time I fail.
Then the media and the public will choose a scapegoat for this failure
As for England's trip to the World Cup in Brazil, Ling Feng's view is not optimistic.
In the original history, England did not even make it out of the group in this tournament and went home directly.
However, now that there are two variables, himself and Vardy, maybe the situation will be different.
The goal Ling Feng set for himself was to get one assist in the last game.
As for whether the Three Lions can go further, it depends on fate.
Hand the sneakers to the equipment manager and follow the assistant coach. Ling Feng will arrive soon. Reached a separate floor where the players' rooms are located.
The entire third floor has the same layout and decoration as a five-star hotel, there is no difference.
Arriving at Room 308, the assistant coach handed a key card to Ling Feng, and then said:
"This is your room, and your roommate is Luke Xiao. He should be here soon." , it should be easier for you young people to communicate."
"Thank you, coach"
"Put your things away and go to the office to say hello."< br>
“Okay.”
When I opened the door, the room was very large, almost like a suite in a star hotel.
After putting all his luggage away, a national team staff member came to his door with several sets of T-shirts and training clothes and asked about his size.
After changing into a white T-shirt with the Three Lions logo printed on the chest, Ling Feng left.
When he arrived outside the head coach's office, Ling Feng raised his hand and knocked on the door.
"Please come in."
Pushing the door open, Ling Feng saw Mr. Hodgson, who was dressed similarly to himself, sitting behind his desk.
"Coach, how are you?"
"I'm fine, sit down."
"Gather at nine o'clock, you are half an hour early"
"I wanted to come early and give you and my teammates a good impression."
Hearing Ling Feng's direct answer, Hodgson couldn't help but smile, then nodded and said: "Yes, I like punctual players."
"Thank you."
A few simple greetings , Hodgson said directly:
"I saw your performance in the final, and it was impressive. I hope your passing can help the team's forwards score more goals, just like you did in That’s what the club does.”
Hearing this, Ling Feng nodded and responded solemnly: “I will do my best!”
"Gather for training in an hour. You can get familiar with the base first and say hello to your teammates."
"Understood, coach."
Considering that it is your first day in the country The team reported that it stands to reason that we should pay homage to the pier so that we can get along easily in the future.
In his opinion, there are only three big bosses who have the right to speak in the faction-ridden England locker room:
Double Germany, and "Lu Xiaofa" Rooney!
So, Ling Feng came to the reception area, ready to greet his teammates one by one and chat with the team bosses.
After sitting on the sofa in the hall for a few minutes, a man walked in from the front door carrying a backpack.
And this man is none other than Steven Gerrard, the soul and legendary captain of Liverpool and one of the "double virtues" of the current captain of the Three Lions!
First of all, I would like to apologize to everyone for not being able to say more.
The author has a cold.
I haven't been feeling well all day, and my head feels heavy.
I can only write four thousand words. I will see if I can do better tomorrow and add more.
(End of this chapter)