An Impossible Man

[CFuller]

***

 

Both England and Italy had come through their FIFA World Cup Last 16 matches after playing for two hours. As such, Mark Catterall and Vincenzo Montella were fully prepared for another 120-minute battle. Extra-time held no fears for them in a Quarter Final that remained undecided after an hour and a half.

 

Catterall was the calmer of the two managers, having seen his England team claw back a two-goal deficit late on. The 50-year-old Lancastrian showed little emotion as he and his assistant Michael Burke delivered fresh instructions to their charges ahead of the final 30 minutes.

 

In the Italian camp, Montella made it clear to his players how disappointed he was that they had thrown a great position away. The 48-year-old Neapolitan's enthusiastic gestures suggested that he was instructing the Azzurri to rouse themselves back to life and renew their attacking efforts in extra-time.

 

Whatever Montella said certainly seemed to have an effect. While England tried to slow the play down and conserve energy, Italy sped things up and attacked them with all their might. In the 95th minute, midfielder Marcello Saia's pass to Andrea Belotti near the 'D' was knocked on first-time to Manuel Lanzini, who drove a volley goalwards. Three Lions goalkeeper Jack Butland produced impressive acrobatics to not only get to the ball, but also keep it in his grasp.

 

Butland faced another test just two minutes later. Filippo Melegoni's excellent standing tackle on England captain Jordan Henderson began an Azzurri counterstrike that ended with Lanzini laying the ball forward to Liverpool team-mate Belotti. The former Bayern Munich striker evaded Michael Keane's slide tackle and then unleashed a shot that was caught by Butland.

 

The two youngest Italians on the field were involved in their country's next attack after 99 minutes. 22-year-old Moise Kean played the ball to 21-year-old Saia via 'middle man' Lanzini. Saia then sent a piledriver towards Butland's top-right corner, only to watch the Stoke City goalie tip it behind.

 

Saia had another attempt at goal in the 105th minute, but he could only sky Melegoni's square ball over the top. As for England, they had hardly looked like threatening the Italian goal until Kane's injury-time effort was charged down by Azzurri centre-half Alessio Romagnoli.

 

England showed a bit more ambition two minutes into the second extra half. After young striker Lawrence Warner won a close-range free-kick off Italian right-back Davide Calabria, midfielder Jack Wilshere lifted the ball into the box. Romagnoli's headed interception only sent the ball back to Wilshere, who cushioned it to Keane. The ball was then laid off to winger Raheem Sterling, whose first-time rocket was caught by Alex Meret.

 

Sterling had to do some defending at the other end in the 109th minute, blocking a strike from Kean to deflect it behind. England had an even bigger scare a minute later, when Calabria's right-wing cross deflected off Keane and fell to the feet of Belotti. The resulting strike had Butland comfortably beaten, but the crossbar deflected it down to Kean, who just had to volley in a sitter to put the Italians ahead. However, the Borussia Dortmund striker's shot was too close to Butland, who recovered quickly to catch it as if nothing had happened.

 

The Three Lions held firm, and in the 115th minute, they almost struck against the run of play. Henderson intercepted Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci's defensive clearance and headed it back upfield. A couple more forward headers from Lewis Cook and Kane followed before the ball evaded the leap of Romagnoli in the penalty area. Wilshere reacted quickly to reach the loose ball and volley at what was basically an open target... but he somehow sent it flying over.

 

A sloppy goal kick from Meret then gifted Wilshere another chance to win. The Arsenal midfielder stole the wayward pass from Romagnoli and then launched an ambitious drive towards goal, only to swerve it off target.

 

Italy had been let off the hook by England, but they then did the same to the Three Lions three minutes from time. Belotti whipped a cross in to Kean, who won an aerial duel with England right-back Nathaniel Clyne and tried to guide his header into the goal. He missed the top of the crossbar by a matter of inches.

 

With neither team having been able to take the lead in extra-time, a penalty shoot-out would be required to separate them. Italy had beaten England on spot-kicks at the Quarter Final stage of UEFA Euro 2012, but that was the Three Lions' last defeat in such a situation. They had triumphed in their previous two shoot-outs - the more recent of which had come only four days earlier against Poland - and were confident of continuing that good run.

 

Italy took the first penalty, with Melegoni stepping up for them. The 23-year-old Marseille midfielder calmly drilled the ball to Butland's left, and though the England goalkeeper got a glove to it, he couldn't quite keep it out. First blood to the Azzurri.

 

Just as he had done in Casablanca, Kane stepped forward to take England's opening spot-kick. The outcome was the same as four days earlier, as Meret was comfortably beaten at his top-left corner. The Three Lions' vice-captain produced his trademark celebration, leaping up and punching the air in delight.

 

Then came Bonucci - Italy's 35-year-old captain, who had won his 125th cap in this match. The evergreen Juventus defender fired to the keeper's right side on this occasion, but he too found the net.

 

The pressure was still on England. Taking their second penalty was Wilshere, whose late second-half goal had kicked off the Three Lions' comeback from 2-0 down. The 30-year-old was full of beans, and Meret had no real hope of keeping out a vicious spot-kick that almost ripped his net open.

 

Verratti continued the scoring run with Italy's third penalty. Real Madrid's skilful playmaker sent it confidently down the middle as Butland dived in vain to his left.

 

With the scoreline 3-2 to the Azzurri, England turned to their youngest player to get them back level. Catterall asked Warner if he was sure that he wanted to take the Three Lions' third spot-kick, after a dismal two hours that had seen him miss several great opportunities. The 21-year-old Liverpool striker nodded, and Catterall patted him on the back as he made his way forward.

 

Warner had scored only once in his first five England caps - against Cape Verde in a pre-World Cup friendly. The Lincolnshire-born youngster cast that shaky record aside as he blasted his spot-kick emphatically into the top-left corner of a static Meret. 3-3.

 

Belotti restored Italy's advantage with a smartly-taken penalty that only just evaded Butland. Sterling then scored his second equaliser of the night, making it 4-4 after four kicks apiece. The shoot-out was effectively going to sudden death, and the first miss from either side would surely be crucial.

 

Lanzini bore the responsibility of taking Italy's fifth kick. The attacking midfielder looked to screw the ball to Butland's left and into the bottom corner. While the England goalie was soundly beaten, Lanzini was horrified to see his shot skim inches the wrong side of the post. The Azzurri were now potentially seconds from disaster.

 

If there was one man whom Catterall could hand-pick to see England through, it was the player he trusted more than anyone else - his captain, Jordan Brian Henderson. The Liverpool midfielder didn't have much of a penalty-taking record to speak of, but he was a player who thrived under extreme pressure.

 

England fans held their breaths as Henderson made his way into the penalty area. The 32-year-old Wearsider galloped up to the penalty spot, swerving it to the right of Meret. The goalkeeper dove in the opposite direction, and when the ball rustled into the net, Henderson wheeled away in delight, soon to be mobbed by his screaming colleagues.

 

England's captain had led by example to complete one of the Three Lions' most remarkable turnarounds. Having been 2-0 down to Italy with 14 minutes remaining, they had come back to defeat the Azzurri on penalties. Their adventure in Morocco would continue for one more week, and with Sweden awaiting them in the Semi Finals, they now had a massive opportunity to end their long trophy drought.

 

2 July 2022: FIFA World Cup Quarter Final - at Stade de Marrakech, Marrakesh

Italy - 2 (Marco Verratti 26, Andrea Belotti 76)

England - 2 (Jack Wilshere 77, Raheem Sterling 82)

[after extra time, England win 5-4 on penalties]

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT: Melegoni 1-0, Kane 1-1, Bonucci 2-1, Wilshere 2-2, Verratti 3-2, Warner 3-3, Belotti 4-3, Sterling 4-4, Lanzini missed, Henderson 4-5.

ENGLAND LINE-UP (4-1-2-2-1): Jack Butland; Nathaniel Clyne, Calum Chambers, Michael Keane, Brendan Galloway; Jordan Henderson; Marcus Rashford (Lewis Cook), James Ward-Prowse (Jack Wilshere); Raheem Sterling, Nathan Redmond (Harry Kane); Lawrence Warner.

 

"England reach another World Cup Semi Final, after winning on penalties again," BBC presenter Gary Lineker said a few minutes after the decisive kick. "We could get used to this!"

 

"Oh, please, no," groaned Alan Shearer. "This England team is supposed to be one of the best teams in international football, but we've rode our luck so many times already. Make no mistake, Italy should have beaten us tonight, and I'm sure Sweden will finish us off if we play like that again on Wednesday."

 

His former England team-mate Rio Ferdinand said, "Them Italians will feel like they've been proper merked, but let's not take nothing away from what was a brilliant England comeback. At 2-0 down, we thought it was all over, but the boys showed guts, character, heart to get through the toughest test they've had so far.

 

"A lot of that came down to leadership, on the touchline and on the pitch. Catts was cool and decisive when the chips were down, and there ain't no doubt that switching up to the diamond and bringing on Kane and Wilshere changed the game. Kane led from the front, feeding some lovely through-balls to open up the Italian defence. And then you had Hendo calmly going about his business in the anchor role before stepping up and scoring the winning pen."

 

Lineker said, "That was a huge call to switch back to the diamond when it had failed so miserably the last time Catterall tried it against Japan."

 

"Yeah, it was, but I still don't know why he kept Loz Warner on," Shearer replied. "The young lad looked completely out of his comfort zone throughout the game. He didn't win enough of those crosses from Sterling or the wing-backs for me, and his shooting was absolutely diabolical. There's a time and a place to try out a young wildcard like Warner, but a World Cup Quarter Final against Italy was neither the right time nor the right place."

 

Ferdinand argued, "Warner was proper unlucky with some of them misses he had. I think we can see his best one here, from when Italy were 2-1 up and he could've got England level. That's a great hit, to be fair, but he puts just too much power into the effort and hits the woodwork. It didn't matter in the end, 'cos Sterling did level a bit later, but it could've been devastating for Warner if that miss was what we remembered at full-time. That's why I was so made up when he scored his pen in the shoot-out."

 

Lineker then turned to the camera and said, "At this point, we were meant to 'go compare' the two decisive penalties - Lanzini's miss for Italy, followed by Henderson's winner for England - with our Italian guest pundit Gio Compario. However, our producer has just reminded me that the BBC has severe restrictions on advertising, and also that Gio is actually a Welsh bloke called Wynne, so he's now being escorted from the studio.

 

"Instead, we can now go live by videolink to our Birmingham studio and speak to the former Watford, Bournemouth and West Brom manager Walter Mazzarri. Walter, are you there?"

 

Mazzarri tapped at his microphone a couple of times to check if it was working. He then shrugged and muttered, "Vabbè," before walking out of camera shot, prompting Lineker to say, "Ah, it appears Walter Mazzarri has stormed out on us. That's not like him, I must say. Not like him at all."

 

Lineker then whispered to his producer, "Cara, do you know if Gino D'Acampo's available? What about Frankie Dettori?" A few minutes later, he shook his head and sighed, "This wouldn't have happened if Gianluca Vialli hadn't jumped ship to Sky Sports at the last minute."

 

2022 FIFA World Cup Quarter Final Results

Mexico 0-4 France

Sweden 3-1 Germany

Italy 2-2 England (aet, England win 5-4 on penalties)

Greece 0-1 Brazil

 

2022 FIFA World Cup Semi Final draw

France vs Brazil

Sweden vs England

[CFuller]

***

 

England's players returned to their dressing room at the Stade de Marrakech feeling like they were on cloud nine. They had somehow recovered from a precarious position to eliminate Italy and reach the Semi Finals of the FIFA World Cup.

 

The most boisterous man in the room was, without any doubt, Jack Wilshere. As he entered the room, the Arsenal midfielder declared, "Oh my God, that was f***ing amazing, guys!"

 

"You were unbelievable out there, Jack," Lawrence Warner told him. "I don't know what we would've done if Catts hadn't brought you on."

 

Wilshere patted Warner on the shoulder and said, "Cheers for that, Mr Daddy's Girl. It would've been easier if you'd actually taken one of your 27 chances before the shoot-out."

 

Warner grumbled, "Way to bring me down, Jack."

 

"Don't worry about him, Loz!" Harry Kane said cheerily as he hugged Warner. "Y'know, it's all stick and stones, water off a duck's back, words can never hurt ya, y'know. You held your nerve when it mattered most, y'know, and that's what matters most at the end of the day... y'know."

 

Manager Mark Catterall then stood in the middle of the dressing room to tell his players, "Lads, I just want to say that was a fantastic comeback! People were writing you off at two goals down, but you've shown real character to recover and prove them wrong. Words can't describe how proud me and Mick and all the other coaches are of what you've just done."

 

The manager continued, "It takes guts and determination to go the distance twice in five days and still be standing, but believe me..." He was then interrupted by a knock on the door, to which he replied, "Who is it?"

 

"It's Ava," called out the FA's communications director Ava Leggett.

 

"Can it wait, Ava?" Catterall asked.

 

Michael Burke opened the door to Leggett, who had a look of worry etched across her face. Burke turned back to Catterall and stammered, "I... I don't think it can wait, Mark."

 

"No, it can't wait..." Leggett shook her head, before catching her throat. "You've got to come with me, Mark. Something's happened."

 

Burke nodded, "I'll take it from here, Catts," as Catterall left the room, following Leggett outside before closing the door.

 

As Leggett wiped a tear from her face, Catterall gently asked, "What's the matter, Ava? Has there been an accident or summat?"

 

"Just follow me," Leggett sighed. She then led him into a meeting room, where FA chairwoman Angela Ruskin and a middle-aged local man were waiting for them.

 

"What's happened?" Catterall asked as he entered the room.

 

The man stood up to introduce himself, saying, "I'm Dr Mohammed Abouali. I'm a cardiologist from the Ibn Tofail University Hospital here in Marrakesh. And you must be..."

 

"Mark Catterall. Nice to meet you."

 

"I'm afraid I have some bad news, Mr Catterall. Please... sit down. You too, Ms Leggett."

 

Catterall and Leggett sat down at one side of a table, with Ruskin and Abouali on the other side.

 

"There is... no easy way to say this," Abouali said, before taking a sip of water. "Your colleague, David Whiteman... he suffered a heart attack in one of the VIP boxes."

 

"Bloody hell," Catterall gasped. "What happened?"

 

Ruskin explained, "He collapsed late in the second half, shortly after Raheem Sterling scored our equaliser. We were all celebrating that goal when... all of a sudden... David keeled over onto a table. I think it all got too much for him."

 

Abouali continued, "A colleague and I arrived at the scene as soon as we could. We tried to resuscitate Mr Whiteman, but his heart had stopped for too long.

 

"We pronounced Mr Whiteman dead at 9:28pm. I am so sorry for your loss."

 

Ruskin nodded, "So, just before the end of extra time."

 

Leggett took off her glasses and burst into tears, covering her face to hide her emotions. Catterall stared blankly at Ruskin and said, "I can't believe it. He... he looked perfectly fine to me when we were speaking just yesterday. Yes, he had a bit of a chronic cough, but I thought nothing of it."

 

"This is, obviously, a real shock," Ruskin said, her voice now rather strained. "To be honest with you, I always saw it coming. At his age, with his health record, in this heat..."

 

Abouali said, "Yes, we can presume that the humidity did play a part in... what happened to Mr Whiteman."

 

Catterall then turned his thoughts to Whiteman's widow, asking Ruskin, "Daphne... does she know?"

 

Ruskin nodded, "She's in her hotel room, trying to come to terms with this. I phoned her as soon as I could. That call... it was one of the hardest I've ever had to make."

 

"No kidding. I wouldn't like to be in your position, telling someone that... the person they've loved for over 50 years... has died so suddenly."

 

"It doesn't get any easier for me. Once we're done here, I need to arrange with the British Consulate in Marrakesh for David's body to be flown back home to London. Daphne and her three children will have to plan for his funeral as well."

 

"Of course."

 

"Also, in light of David's death, I will be taking on David's duties as Chief Executive until further notice. As the FA chair, it falls to me to guide this organisation through what is a very difficult and very sad time."

 

Abouali said, "Once again, I send you my deepest sympathies for your loss. I will now let you three grieve in peace, if that's okay."

 

"Yeah, that's fine," Catterall said, as Leggett and Ruskin nodded. Abouali shook the hands of all three before leaving the room.

 

Leggett wiped away more tears from her eyes and put her glasses back on. She then took a deep breath and said, "As the head of communications, I've got to collect tributes to David for a press release. Angela's already given me her tributes, so now I'd like to ask you, Mark. Is there anything you'd like to say about David?"

 

Catterall took a sip of water and cleared his throat, while Leggett opened an audio recorder app on her phone and pressed the 'record' button. Once the England manager started to speak, he would continue for another minute or so.

 

"David... was a wonderful and upstanding man, and I was lucky to have counted him as a colleague and friend for six years. He was one of three men - along with my late dad Brian, and my former manager Peter Reid - whom I would consider to be a father figure.

 

"My dad and David were from completely different backgrounds; David was a stiff-upper-lip public school boy from the south of England, whereas Brian was the son of a humble, no-nonsense Blackpool carpenter. But they both shared the belief that they should always do whatever they felt was the right thing, and that they should always do right by their friends and family. I'm being totally honest when I say that reaching out to David for advice and guidance sometimes felt like speaking to my old man up above.

 

"David was a traditionalist, but he also believed that the younger generation should be allowed to break new ground and create new traditions. He believed in my 'remote management' approach when some quarters of the FA did not, so I will always be grateful to him for that.

 

"I'm also sure that some people who decry the high numbers of old, white men running English football will also owe him some gratitude. As I think Joni Mitchell once sang, 'Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone'.

 

"David may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. English football has tonight lost a true gentleman and one of its finest advocates. The whole community will miss him."

 

Catterall then sat back on his chair and breathed of sigh. His stirring words prompted Ruskin to wipe away a tear and say, "Mark... that was wonderful. I'm sure David would have loved that."

 

"Yeah, I agree," Leggett nodded. "A fitting tribute, Mark."

 

The FA confirmed David Whiteman's death in a press release, about half an hour after captain Jordan Henderson scored the winning penalty. As Catterall and Leggett were about to board the coach back to the hotel, the former sighed, "What a night, Ava. So many mixed feelings."

 

Leggett agreed, "It's tough to win a World Cup Quarter Final and lose your CEO on the same day. It just puts everything into perspective, doesn't it?"

 

"It does. I think I'm gonna collapse into my bed as soon as I'm in my room. You?"

 

"I'm gonna need a drink to get me through tonight. A stiff one."

 

Catterall stopped just before the coach steps and asked, "You sure that's a good idea, Ava? After last time?"

 

"It'll only be half a glass of wine at the very most. That's a promise."

 

"Good to hear."

 

Leggett then boarded the coach and sat down beside his assistant Michael Burke, as per usual. Burke glanced at the weary look on Catterall's face and queried, "You alright, mate? Has summat happened?"

 

"I can't really talk about it right now, Mick," Catterall replied, somewhat huskily. "We'll discuss it in the morning."

[CFuller]

Chapter 59 - We Still Believe

 

3 July 2022. The morning after the night before. Despite having advanced to the Semi Finals of the FIFA World Cup, the atmosphere at the England team hotel in Marrakesh was a rather sombre one. The sudden death of Football Association chief executive David Whiteman had put a dampener on the Three Lions' celebrations after their Quarter Final victory over Italy.

 

England manager Mark Catterall and FA chairwoman Angela Ruskin called the team to an emergency meeting at the hotel after breakfast, to discuss the previous night's events.

 

Ruskin began, "I'm sure some of you have heard or read the news. If you haven't, then I'll tell you up front. During last night's match, our colleague David Whiteman suffered a massive heart attack."

 

"I don't want to come across as naïve, Angela," defender Michael Keane asked. "But I'd never heard of David Whiteman before today."

 

"He is... was... the FA's chief executive," Ruskin clarified. "The doctors did everything they could to save David, but he sadly passed away during extra-time."

 

Goalkeeper Jack Butland gasped, "My, that's terrible."

 

Jack Wilshere sighed, "So he didn't get to see us win on penalties? That sucks."

 

Catterall said, "If it's any consolation, lads, it's that he died doing what he loved - watching England football. Your fightback from 2-0 down gave David his last moments of joy in a long and fulfilled life."

 

"I guess so," Butland said. "But it's still a shock."

 

Ruskin stated, "David had been ill for quite some time. Of course, being the stiff-upper-lip sort, he carried on regardless as if nothing was wrong. He travelled to Morocco with his wife, even though his doctor had strongly advised him against it."

 

"How old was David, then?" Keane asked.

 

"He was 78."

 

"Chuffin' 'eck," John Stones sighed. "At this age, you would've thought he'd be well retired by then."

 

Catterall said, "David loved his job. He always said that he'd one day be removed from his office in a body bag. Of course, being David, he would've used more wordy language than that."

 

"He would have probably said 'verbose' instead of 'wordy', but yes," Ruskin nodded. "Sadly, his stubbornness and his commitment to the England cause was partly what killed him. That's without mentioning his age..."

 

"And the heat," Lewis Cook added. "It were something like 35 degrees last night! That can't have been good for someone his age."

 

Catterall shook his head. "Indeed, it would've been horrible conditions for him."

 

Ruskin then said, "As you can imagine, his wife Daphne is absolutely distraught. We've arranged with the British Consulate for her to be flown back home with David's body this afternoon. We'll also offer her and her children as much support as they need at this difficult time."

 

Dele Alli took a deep breath. "Wow. I can't even imagine dying so far from home."

 

Captain Jordan Henderson suggested, "Maybe we should do something to help the Whitemans. I know some of the lads have talked about us writing out a card, but maybe it would be a better idea for us to help pay for the funeral."

 

"That's a fantastic idea, Jordan," Catterall nodded. "As far as I can tell, David's family is quite well-off, but I'm sure they'll appreciate the gesture."

 

Ruskin agreed, "That would be a big help to the Whitemans. It'd give them a bit less to worry about after losing their husband and father."

 

Catterall said, "As David would probably have said himself, though, 'the show needs to continue'. You've all got an hour to finish packing your things before we return to base."

 

Wilshere asked, "There's no training today, right?"

 

"Not today," Catterall confirmed. "You need all the rest you can get after last night. Instead, we're going straight back to Salé, and you can have the whole of today off."

 

"Cheers, gaffer."

 

"The hard work starts all over again tomorrow. Just because we've got Sweden in the Semis on Wednesday doesn't mean you can afford to take it easy. Any team that knocks Spain and Germany out needs to be shown respect."

 

"Got it," Wilshere nodded. He then cheekily asked, "Is smoking allowed now?" but got a blank stare in response.

 

Keane declared, "Don't worry, boss. We're gonna give it everything on Wednesday - for David, but also for everyone back home."

 

Catterall then said, "Okay, lads. I think we'll leave it there. Let's head on out and return to base."

 

Ruskin added, "And if any of you want to talk about anything, whether it be about David or any problems you're having, then just reach out to us. We'll make sure you get any help you need."

 

The players and coaching staff got up from their seats and headed out of the room. Noticing that Michael Burke was struggling to get out of his seat, Butland asked, "You need some help, Mick?"

 

Burke slurred a little as he said, "N-no thanks, Jack. I'll be alright."

 

"You don't look too good, to be fair. Is something up?"

 

"I'm fine, b-believe me. Just go."

 

Burke eventually got to his feet when everyone else bar Catterall and Ruskin had left. Ruskin asked, "What was that all about, Michael? Are you hungover? Or are you actually drunk right now?"

 

"It's nothing like that, Angela," Burke groaned.

 

"I think you should tell her now, Mick," Catterall suggested.

 

Ruskin exclaimed, "Tell me what? What's the matter, Michael?"

 

Burke sighed, "I was gonna keep quiet about this until after the tournament, but... I've got MND."

 

A stunned Ruskin turned to Catterall, who gently nodded, "He told me the other day, before we played Poland. Nobody else outside Mick's family knows about this yet."

 

Ruskin gasped, "Jesus... motor neurone disease." She then shed a couple of tears and touched her chest as she continued, "That's the condition my... my father died from."

 

"I'm so sorry, Angela," Burke said. "I had no idea."

 

"He was diagnosed the day after his 50th birthday. He went downhill so fast, and two years later... he was gone. I still miss him terribly, even now."

 

Ruskin then wiped away her tears with tissues and said, "Well... if there's anything we can do for you, Michael, then we'll do it."

 

"Thanks, Angela. I'm sure I'll manage just fine for the rest of the tournament. After that... who knows?"

 

Ruskin said, "If it makes you feel any easier, we're not going to fire you, or Mark. Not now you've taken us to another World Cup Semi Final. And at any rate, the FA board have already agreed that your conduct in the Cahill incident four years ago was not a sackable offence."

 

Catterall said, "Thanks for putting our minds at ease, but we've actually been thinking about... what we do next after Morocco."

 

"I thought you would," Ruskin nodded. "Well, there's no rush to make a decision now. Just concentrate on Sweden, and then go from there."

 

"Of course. We're still in two minds about things, but I don't think we'll know in our hearts what to do next until this is all over."

 

"Well, thanks for letting me know. As you were."

[CFuller]

***

 

Following Saturday's mixture of triumph and tragedy, the England team left Marrakesh and returned to their base in Salé. Training resumed on Monday morning, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Semi Final against Sweden in neighbouring Rabat.

 

The searing Moroccan heat had taken an obvious physical toll on some of Mark Catterall's charges, who had been taken to penalty shoot-outs in their previous two matches. The most exhausted players - including defender Callum Chambers - were even excused from training altogether, in the knowledge that they wouldn't have any involvement in Wednesday's big game.

 

As he observed his players in training on Tuesday morning, a concerned Catterall told his assistant Michael Burke, "You only have one chance every four years to win the World Cup... but you have plenty of opportunities to lose it."

 

Burke asked, "What do you mean, Catts?"

 

"Just look at them out there," Catterall said as his skipper Harry Kane miscontrolled a laboured cross from left-back Brendan Galloway. "If you were a glass-half-empty kind of guy, you'd say our team had already lost the World Cup, even though we still have a mathematical chance of winning it."

 

"You don't feel that way, do you?"

 

Catterall scoffed, "Of course not... but we have to be real about things. Nobody's ever won the World Cup after getting through two penalty shoot-outs. All that energy you use up playing for two hours, and then having to hold your nerve from 12 yards out... and then having to repeat that process all over again! It's almost like having to run the Boston Marathon and the London Marathon back-to-back!"

 

"Yeah, I get what you're saying. But as you always say - impossible is nothing."

 

Catterall turned to Burke and asked with some bemusement, "When did I ever say that?"

 

"Alright, that was actually from an old Adidas advert, but it rings true with you! No other England manager - not even Sir Alf Ramsey - has got us believing that we can win any tournament we play in! This is a team that can rise up to any challenge! Not even a bit of heat or some tired legs can stop us!"

 

"We can't take anything for granted. Anyway, tomorrow will be the toughest match we've ever played."

 

"You sure about that, Catts? I mean, we're playing Sweden - SWEDEN - for a place in the World Cup Final! It's not as if we're up against France or Brazil... or even Belgium, if they were still in it!"

 

Catterall replied, "Here's the thing. We know all about the French team's strengths and weaknesses, so we're ready to play them anyway. It's the same with Brazil; every man, woman and dog knows what they're all about. But we're rather less familiar with Sweden's style of football..."

 

"If you like to call it football," David Platt interjected, with some scorn.

 

"So if anything, out of the other three Semi Finalists, Sweden are probably the trickiest opponents we could've been up against."

 

Platt said, "On that note, Mark, I'm sure you'll be interested to know that I've been calculating some statistics. Sweden will become the 43rd different team England have played in a senior international since you took over as manager."

 

"Okay? And what's that got to do with the price of fish?"

 

"Also, when I looked at all the games you managed with the Under-19s, Under-20s and Under-21s, I figured out that you'd played almost every other UEFA member nation at some level at least once - except FOUR. You've never managed an England team against Andorra, Belarus, Estonia or the Faroe Islands."

 

Catterall gasped sarcastically, "Wow. You really are a font of knowledge, David."

 

"Hold on," Burke intervened. "My memory might be a bit hazy in my old age, but I could swear we managed the Under-17s against Estonia back in the day."

 

Catterall remembered, "Yeah, we did, actually, in 2012. George Green scored that day. I think he wound up playing for Dagenham & Redbridge or summat."

 

Platt smiled, "Oh, I only counted from the 2016/2017 season. I never bothered counting your Under-17s games before then as well. I mean... what do you think I am? A saddo?"

 

Platt then headed off to run the players through some free-kick routines. Burke told Catterall, "Don't worry, Catts. We've only got one more week with David. I hear that he's thinking of retiring once we get back home."

 

Catterall sighed, "I dunno, Mick. He's not that old - 56, I think."

 

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Only total has-beens like Graeme Souness retire when they're that age. Anyway... tomorrow. What's the plan?"

 

The England manager bore a grin as he replied, "Get some popcorn at the ready. We're having another 'Movie Day'."

 

Later that afternoon, the players and coaching staff gathered at the analysis room. Catterall and tactical coach Tony Adams talked the team through a couple of hours' worth of highlights from Sweden's previous five games.

 

Catterall said, "Note how rigid and disciplined Sweden are tactically. They always play a straight 4-4-2, or a slight variant thereof. Janne Andersson is a firm believer in direct, attacking football. He loves to have a big centre-forward who can cause problems in the air and on the ground, and that's exactly what John Guidetti did against Spain."

 

The team watched the two goals Guidetti scored to eliminate Spain in the Last 16. The first saw him run at La Furia Roja's defence, exchanging passes with strike partner Alexander Isak before slamming in a shot from just inside the area. The Benfica forward's second goal was more 'route one'. Shortly after Spain had equalised, Isak swung in a left-wing cross with his right foot to pick out Guidetti, who outjumped the legendary centre-back Sergio Ramos to head in what proved to be the winner.

 

"Don't let Guidetti bully you," Adams warned the England players. "Rise above any tricks he tries to pull on you, and mark him out the game. Sweden don't have much of a plan B if he's kept quiet."

 

Catterall added, "Though they do have a couple of very pacey strikers in Isak and [Joel] Asoro. I think Isak's got three goals at this tournament so far. If you're defending against either of them, or maybe even both if Andersson decides to throw a spanner in the works, you need to make sure you don't push up too high. You don't want to run the risk of them racing past you and leaving Jack [Butland] in a tricky situation."

 

Adams said, "It's also important that you cut off the supply links to those Swedish forwards. If you can take control of the midfield and assert your authority in the centre of the pitch, you'll be halfway there. You'll also wanna stifle [Emil] Forsberg on the left wing in case he wants to cut inside."

 

Some time later, Catterall announced the team that would start in Rabat. He began, "We're going back to the 4-2-3-1. Butland stays in goal, obviously. The back four will be [Nathaniel] Clyne, Axel [Tuanzebe], [John] Stones, and [Josh] Tymon. You are up for another game, aren't you, Nat?"

 

Clyne had already played 240 minutes' worth of knockout football against Poland and Italy, but he said, "Absolutely, gaffer. I'm like one of them Duracell bunnies; I'll just keep going and going until I'm all out."

 

"I don't doubt that. For the midfield three, Hendo [captain Jordan Henderson] will be in the holding role, Eric [Dier] will be our aggressor, and Dele [Alli] will play in the hole. Dele, I want you to run at the defence and help our front three."

 

"Sure thing, gaffer," nodded Alli, who had sat out the Italy game. "I'm refreshed and ready to go again."

 

"Lastly, we'll have Nathan [Redmond] on the left and Jordon [Ibe] on the right, with Callum [Wilson] in the centre. Now, I want you two wide players to be cutting through those channels at every opportunity. Don't just try to run at the wing-backs."

 

Ibe suggested, "Maybe Jordon should run. Jordon thinks Jordon should. Actually, Jordon just likes to hear Jordon talk about Jordon. JORDON!"

 

"If you want to run, then run through the channels. They'll be wide open and ready to be exploited by incisive through-balls and intelligent running."

 

Vice-captain Harry Kane put his hand up and asked, "Why aren't I starting, gaffer? I really want to get out there, y'know, especially 'cos I ain't got no goals since Japan. And you need your team leaders to lead your team in the biggest games, don't ya?"

 

"Yes, but a team leader ain't much good to you if your team's in the Final and they're knackered..."

 

"It didn't seem to do Portugal no harm at Euro 2016," Burke pointed out.

 

Catterall continued, "My point is, Harry, you looked a bit lethargic in training today. I can't risk playing you against Sweden unless I absolutely need to."

 

Kane nodded, "Yeah, I understand, gaffer. I could do with the rest, y'know. I'm a little cream-crackered, y'know, I'm kinda on me last legs, I'm a bit shattered... frazzled... enervated, even! David Whiteman taught me that last word, actually. God bless him."

 

Catterall said, "Callum, on the other hand... I know you haven't scored yet, but I have this feeling that you're gonna come alive tomorrow."

 

"Oh, man, I am proper buzzing," Wilson smiled. "I'm gonna make the most of my opportunity; I just know it."

 

Jack Wilshere half-laughed, "Well, Cal, you can't be much worse than our other striker in that last game, that's for sure!"

 

Lawrence Warner took offence to this, leaping from his chair as he exclaimed, "I've had enough of your put-downs, Wilshere! I did the best I could against Italy, alright? I did score that penalty, didn't I?"

 

Wilshere scoffed, "Oh, Mr Daddy's Girl, scoring a penalty ain't that hard! I scored mine against the Italians as well - and I smoke 20 a day!"

 

Catterall addressed the feuding duo, "Just cool it, lads! There's never a good time to fall out with your team-mates, and your behaviour is especially inappropriate, considering we lost one of our colleagues on Saturday! Whatever personal differences you have, PLEASE - for the love of God - put them aside until we're back home!"

 

Warner and Wilshere sighed before issuing their reluctant apologies. Catterall stated, "Apologies accepted. As for the rest of you, I don't want you to have any reason to apologise to me at full-time tomorrow. I want you to put in as much effort as you can in Rabat - enough to get you back there on Sunday, playing in what will be the biggest game of your lives!"

[Drogba11CFC]

Did you base Jordon Ibe on the portrayal of Bob Dole in The Simpsons, by any chance?

[CFuller]

Just now, Drogba11CFC said:

Did you base Jordon Ibe on the portrayal of Bob Dole in The Simpsons, by any chance?

That one quote was ripped from an episode of The Simpsons, yes. I even made a reference to Bob Dole in a previous chapter. 

Jordon Ibe referring to himself in the third person is primarily based on him wearing his first name on the back of his shirt.

[CFuller]

***

 

On 5 July, three days after hosting a pulsating FIFA World Cup Quarter Final between Italy and England, the Stade de Marrakech was ready to stage another classic encounter. France and Brazil were to go toe-to-toe in the first Semi Final, for the right to contest the trophy in Rabat five days later.

 

France had been humiliated by Belgium in the 2018 Final. Four years on, Les Bleus - now under the management of former Southampton boss Claude Puel - were adamant that this would be their time. They certainly showed their intent in the first period, with Antoine Griezmann's 25th-minute opener being complemented on the stroke of half-time by a stunning free-kick from captain Paul Pogba.

 

However, much like England had done over the weekend, Brazil managed to claw back their two-goal deficit. Grêmio forward Luan got the first of them six minutes after the restart, drilling in a clinical centre from Tottenham Hotspur right-back Diego Lemos. Luan then equalised from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after being tripped in the area by French centre-half Kurt Zouma.

 

Three minutes after losing their lead, France regained it in rather fortuitous circumstances. Geoffrey Kondogbia's through-ball to Griezmann was intercepted by Brazil defender Marlon, whose attempted clearance rebounded off Griezmann's right arm. The ball was deflected towards Anthony Martial, whose tidy finish made it 3-2.

 

This time, France managed to stay in front, as Brazil failed to convert late equalising chances. Les Bleus were now within 90 minutes of lifting their second World Cup title - their first since hosting the tournament in 1998.

 

France could now plan for a third visit to Rabat's Stade du Prince Moulay Abdallah, where they'd already beaten Iraq in the Last 16 and Mexico in the Quarter Finals. Their prospective Final opponents were already in the Moroccan capital, making their final preparations for the second Semi the following evening.

 

6 July 2022 would be a memorable date in the footballing histories of either Sweden or England, both of whom were attempting to reach just their second World Cup Final. Sweden had lost 5-2 to a Pelé-inspired Brazil when they were the host nation in 1958, while England - of course - went a step further against West Germany at Wembley eight years later. Since then, their records in the competition had been chequered to say the least.

 

This was England's fourth Semi Final - their second under the guidance of Mark Catterall. Mind you, they had only made it this far after a couple of penalty shoot-out wins against Poland and Italy.

 

Having already played for more than four hours in the knockout stage alone, there were understandably a lot of tired legs in the England camp. Among them was star striker Harry Kane, who'd provided two goals and three assists thus far but was only fit enough to make the bench in this Semi Final. Taking his place up front was Callum Wilson, who had yet to catch fire at this tournament.

 

Goalkeeper Jack Butland and captain Jordan Henderson made their fifth starts of the tournament. Other players in the starting XI who'd only missed one match thus far were young left-back Josh Tymon, ball-winning midfielder Eric Dier, and inside-forward Nathan Redmond.

 

Joining Tymon in the England backline were Nathaniel Clyne, Axel Tuanzebe, and John Stones. Manchester City centre-half Stones was being lauded as one of the stand-out players at this World Cup after some fantastic defensive displays. Jordon Ibe and Dele Alli formed an attacking midfield three with Redmond.

 

Sweden's run to the Semi Finals had been a real fairytale. In 2020, the Blågult crashed out of the UEFA European Championship Last 16 to Turkey, and were then relegated to Division C of the UEFA Nations League. Before the start of the World Cup qualifiers in early 2021, they were officially ranked as low as 92nd in the world by FIFA.

 

The Svenska Fotbollförbundet - Swedish football's governing body - kept faith in coach Janne Andersson, who guided them to the World Cup as one of the best group runners-up in UEFA's qualifying phase. They showed even more fighting spirit in Morocco, scraping through Group A after beating the hosts in what was effectively a knockout match.

 

It was only when the knockout phase proper got underway that pundits and punters really began to take notice of the Blågult. John Guidetti's double against Spain eliminated the 2010 winners at the Last 16, before 2014 champions Germany were accounted for in the Quarter Finals. Now the Scandinavians had another former World Cup winner on their hitlist.

 

Guidetti had found the net four times at this tournament, as had Manchester United's 22-year-old hotshot Alexander Isak. The latter had provided a goal and an assist against Germany, as had Swansea City's Joel Asoro - another reasonably young striker at 23. Guidetti and Isak got the nod to start this Semi, with Guidetti ready to come off the bench if required.

 

There was also plenty of youth at the heart of the Swedish defence. Paris Saint-Germain centre-half Lennart Jonsson had already been capped 33 times before his 23rd birthday, while Arsenal's Tommy Mårtensson was even wetter behind the ears at just 20 years of age. That being said, Jonsson and Mårtensson were both 6ft 5in tall and weighed over 14-and-a-half stone, so England's attackers weren't exactly able to simply brush them aside.

 

Most of Sweden's experience came out wide. Right-back Victor Lindelöf - who played alongside Jonsson at PSG - was appointed as captain after his team's exit from Euro 2020. Left-sided midfielder Emil Forsberg had over 75 caps to his name, though he was little more than a rotation option at Liverpool.

 

Sweden would come under pressure almost as soon as the match began. Just 20 minutes into proceedings, Tymon curled a Redmond flick-on towards their far post. Ibe then nodded it back towards Redmond, who was approaching the six-yard box. The Southampton forward's right-footed volley was met by a spectacular reflex save from Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen and then cleared into touch by Lindelöf.

 

The Blågult then launched their first attacks, which resulted in Asoro and Isak each being caught offside. Asoro did break England's offside trap for the first time after five minutes, when he raced onto Viktor Claesson's long ball from central midfield. He broke free from marker Tuanzebe and then entered the penalty box, where his angled effort was blocked by Butland.

 

Redmond wasted another early English attempt on goal in the eighth minute. Barely a minute after that, Sweden made the most of their next opportunity. Forsberg's outswinging corner was perfectly weighted for Jonsson, who got the better of Tuanzebe and headed in his first international goal.

 

England had already trailed to Poland and Italy before fighting back, but this felt different. They were off to the worst possible start against a team that was arguably in better physical shape than they were. They had tried to slow play down early on to conserve energy, and now the onus was on them to up the pace and chase the game.

 

In the 14th minute, Redmond stroked a promising ball to Wilson, who cut his way past a couple of Swedish players before shooting from the 'D'. His strike was acrobatically turned behind by Olsen - a 32-year-old who kept goal for FC København in Denmark.

 

Henderson drifted in a corner that Lindelöf could only head as far as Ibe. The AFC Bournemouth winger's quick shot clattered off Claesson and fell to Tuanzebe, who then attempted to centre it to Wilson. That was when Feyenoord midfielder Simon Gustafson came in with a great interception before hacking the ball away.

 

Sweden won another corner of their own in the 17th minute. Forsberg found Isak, and the big centre-forward's header was awkwardly pushed behind by Butland. Another Forsberg corner followed, but Tuanzebe showed great awareness to intercept that one.

 

England then had a purple patch, which began with Dier powering a free-kick over the bar in the 24th minute after being tripped by Gustafson. Olsen then stopped a couple of Wilson shots from just inside the Swedish box over the next four minutes. The latter save led to a corner from Henderson, which Jonsson tried to head away. Ibe was first to the loose ball, and he launched an ambitious long-distance shot that sailed over.

 

The Three Lions' frustration increased, and when Tuanzebe upended Isak dangerously close to goal in the 36th minute, the Blågult sensed another chance to go 2-0 up. Forsberg was agonisingly close to giving them such a lead, as his free-kick cleared the England wall before ricocheting off the crossbar. Henderson half-volleyed the rebound clear, much to his compatriots' relief.

 

Four minutes later, Asoro found Isak drifting through a channel between Tuanzebe and Clyne. Isak looked like he was about to power in his 30th goal in just 51 Sweden caps, but in the end, his shot was too close to Butland.

 

A pulsating first half ended with several more England shots, the best of which came from Dier in the 43rd minute. Olson pushed it behind the byline, and then watched Redmond skim the crossbar, before the half-time whistle blew. Sweden were still 1-0 up, and still looking remarkably fresh compared to the Three Lions.

 

Catterall knew that he now had to make changes. Neither Henderson nor Redmond had been particularly effective in that first period, so he brought on Lewis Cook and Raheem Sterling as their replacements in midfield and on the wing respectively. Stones would captain the Three Lions in Henderson's stead for the remainder of this Semi Final.

 

While Stones was putting in yet another of his typical lionhearted defensive performances, his attacking comrades desperately needed to up their game in the second half. Six minutes after the restart, Wilson showed great vision to find Clyne wide open on the right flank. The Liverpool wing-back's first-time cross found the head of Dier, but the ball looped safely into Olsen's hands.

 

On 55 minutes, an opening arose for Wilson. Ibe neatly controlled a pass from Alli and then threaded it through to the Chelsea striker, who passed Jonsson and only had to toe-poke it past Olsen for the equaliser. The connection was not a particularly clean one, and the Blågult keeper made a simple catch.

 

Sweden boss Andersson would make all three of his substitutions shortly before the hour mark. Gustafson and Claeson were replaced with midfielder Oscar Lewicki and winger Pontus Almqvist respectively. More ominously from an English perspective, a salivating Guidetti had also come off the bench to take over from Isak as Asoro's strike partner.

 

The next 10 minutes were rather mundane by the standards of the first 60. Asoro was flagged offside for Sweden in the 66th minute, while Dier missed a glaring close-range opportunity for England four minutes later. Wilson's cross to Ibe in the Swedish box was passed short to Dier, who put far too much power into his strike.

 

Come the 71st minute, Catterall was ready to play his last substitute. Kane had been ready to come on for some time, so it was no surprise to see him enter the fray with a little under 20 minutes remaining. He took over centre-forward duties from Wilson, who had four shots on target but hadn't been clinical enough with any of them.

 

Before Kane could start to test himself against the Swedish defence, the Three Lions had to defend against another dangerous set-piece from the Blågult. Everton left-back Adam Lundqvist chipped a 75th-minute penalty deep into the England box, and Jonsson got above both Tymon and Cook to flick it powerfully at goal. With a bit more accuracy, the man who hadn't scored an international goal prior to kick-off would have had a second.

 

England then started to attack Sweden, though they opted for a more patient approach instead of just punting the ball directly upfield. A flowing passing move in the 80th minute sadly went to waste when Sterling met Alli's pass to the edge of the area with a shot that was far too viciously-struck.

 

Catterall categorically did not want his players to shoot on sight. However, with time fast running out on the Three Lions, one of his charges felt that he had to try something spectacular in the 85th minute. That was when a 25-year-old Yorkshireman by the name of Lewis John Cook made himself a national saviour.

 

Cook passed a knockdown from Dier to his Bournemouth team-mate Ibe, who then found the overlapping run of Arsenal wing-back Tymon on the left. The Hull-born youngster crossed back to Leeds-bred Cook, who carefully controlled the ball about 20 yards from goal. After switching the ball from his left foot to his right, Cook swerved in an absolute peach of a shot that comfortably beat Olson in his top-left corner.

 

The England fans in Rabat celebrated wildly, saluting both Cook for his moment of brilliance and Tymon for his equally impressive assist. Within just two minutes, though, the latter would turn from hero to zero.

 

A counter-attack from Sweden saw them move the ball quickly upfield, with Guidetti finding Forsberg before the ball was weighted towards Lindelöf. The Swedish right-back looked like he was about to score when Tymon desperately tugged at his shirt. His knee-jerk reaction was enough to convince Argentine referee Nicolás Cardozo to point to the penalty spot.

 

Sweden were now, it seemed, 12 yards from the World Cup Final. Stepping up to take their penalty was Guidetti - an ice-cool finisher with plenty of potency from dead balls. He drilled this spot-kick low to Butland's left... but the Stoke City goalie went the same way, with his low save arguably saving England's cup dream.

 

As Butland received a hearty pat on the back from Dier, ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley asked, "Just what is it about penalties and England? It seems as if Mark Catterall has found the perfect remedy to a disease that's blighted English football for three decades!"

 

His co-commentator Glenn Hoddle - who, of course, had a long working relationship with Catterall - added, "You know, Clive, I think England would fancy another shoot-out if it came to that. Mark's built a team with nerves of steel; penalties just don't faze them anymore."

 

There would be yet more heartbreak for Sweden in the 89th minute, as Lindelöf appeared to roll his ankle after clearing a Cook corner out of his penalty area. Lindelöf didn't feel particularly comfortable about playing on, so the Blågult would have to continue with only 10 men.

 

Despite their obvious advantage, England never came remotely close to making it count in the three minutes of stoppage time. Therefore, with the full-time scoreline still at 1-1, they would have to play on for at least another 30. That was the very last thing a nigh-on-exhausted Three Lions team wanted.

[mark wilson27]

Nothing like doing it the hard way Chris 

[CFuller]

***

 

"NOT EXTRA-TIME AGAIN!" Raheem Sterling exclaimed as he and the other England players approached the dugout. "Can't we just go straight to penalties?"

 

His Arsenal club-mate Josh Tymon reassured him, "We've gotta keep going, Raheem, alright? We've come through a couple of matches like this and we can do it again."

 

"Josh is spot-on, lads," said manager Mark Catterall. "You're still in this match, when it looked not long ago like it was all over bar the shouting. Your hard work and determination has given you another chance to redeem yourselves."

 

Assistant boss Michael Burke added, "Between you and me, Sweden look rattled at the minute, what with Cooky's equaliser and Butland's penalty save. We've got the initiative now!"

 

Catterall then stated, "This is when fatigue goes out the window. It'll all come down to which team has the self-belief and the desire to get the job done, whether that takes 30 minutes or even spot-kicks.

 

"It's all or nothing now, lads. You can't leave ANYTHING behind, alright?"

 

While playing for an extra half-hour wasn't exactly ideal for an England team who'd already taken the scenic route to the Semi Finals, they did at least try to keep the pace up. If their aspirations of winning the 2022 World Cup were to end here, Catterall was adamant that they would go out with a fight instead of a whimper.

 

England's North London contingent showed their renewed determination four minutes into the first half. After a couple of first-time passes from Tottenham Hotspur duo Dele Alli and Harry Kane, Arsenal winger Sterling attempted a shot from the edge of the 'D'. It didn't get particularly close to the target, but it was nonetheless a warning to Sweden.

 

Sterling was also involved in another England attack three minutes later. He centred the ball to AFC Bournemouth's highly-coveted midfielder Lewis Cook, who'd already scored one sensational long-range goal to save the Three Lions. Cook made another audacious attempt in a bid to give them the lead, but this half-volley lacked accuracy.

 

A minute after that, Cook exchanged passes with Tymon, who then crossed to Sterling. The 27-year-old got above Sweden full-back Adam Lundqvist to send a header towards goal, only to see it caught with ease by keeper Robin Olsen.

 

There was further agony for Sterling and England after almost exactly 100 minutes. His cross to the near post was nodded wide by Kane, who would probably have found the net had he been at peak fitness.

 

Sweden launched their first attack in extra-time soon afterwards. Experienced midfielder Emil Forsberg laid the ball off to striker John Guidetti, who dribbled past England captain John Stones as he approached the penalty area. Guidetti then hooked a shot inches over the crossbar.

 

By the 103rd minute, though, England were back on the offensive. Young Sweden winger Pontus Almqvist intercepted Cook's corner, but could only head it to Sterling, who then passed to Tymon in the area. Tymon played a quick one-two with Kane before unleashing a shot that came within inches of not only giving him a first international goal, but also giving England a 2-1 lead.

 

As it was, the deadlock remained intact going into the second half. England attacked early again, having a couple of shots in the 108th minute. Cook's initial shot was blocked by young Sweden defender Tommy Mårtensson, and the follow-up from Alli was somehow tipped behind by Olsen.

 

Even with the game nearing its end, and with the temperature in Rabat still in the high-20s on the Celsius scale, Olsen remained an unflappable presence in the Swedish goal. The FC København custodian made simple work of a close-range shot from Sterling in the 112th minute. A minute after that, Olsen watched Axel Tuanzebe blaze a half-volley well off target after Sterling had flicked Jordon Ibe's corner in the Manchester United defender's direction.

 

At the other end, Sweden striker Joel Asoro had lost some of his pace to the heat, though he still drew a potentially significant foul out of Tymon four minutes before the end. Forsberg lofted the free-kick into the England box, but centre-back Lennart Jonsson - who'd scored the opening goal in this game - could not quite find the target again.

 

From then on, it was all England as far as scoring opportunities went. Olsen remained a thorn in the Three Lions' side, producing an acrobatic save to deny Alli before stopping a half-volley from Cook.

 

Once the 120th minute had expired, another was added on by the Argentine fourth official. England used that minute to launch one final attack - one last chance to clinch victory before there would be the need for a penalty shoot-out.

 

Sweden midfielder Oscar Hiljemark - who'd taken the captaincy from the injured Victor Lindelöf late in the second half - was muscled off the ball in the centre circle by Kane. The striker dribbled upfield before handing possession over to left-winger Ibe, who then drilled the ball across to Sterling on the opposite flank.

 

Sterling was about 25 yards from goal. It was now or never for the Arsenal man, who drove in a low shot with all his might. The ball bypassed Olsen's dive, but clipped his right-hand post and deflected across the goalmouth. The race was on between Kane and Mårtensson for the loose ball, and it was the latter who prevailed, hacking it into touch.

 

Almost as soon as Tymon had thrown the ball back into play, referee Nicolás Cardozo called time on an epic 1-1 draw. England had mustered a grand total of 34 shots compared to Sweden's 10, but they would now be heading to a penalty shoot-out for the third match in a row.

 

The sight of Kane jogging upfield to take England's penalty in a shoot-out had become a familiar one to Three Lions fans. They were also used to seeing him getting the better of the opposition goalkeeper. True to form, Kane did beat Olsen comfortably, getting England off to a positive start.

 

Sweden's first penalty was taken by Guidetti, who'd wasted an opportunity to earn the Blågult a victory from 12 yards in regulation time. Goalkeeper Jack Butland had saved England on that occasion, but he couldn't deny Guidetti here. The Benfica striker's effort was just too clinical.

 

Alli was next to step forward for England. The creative attacking midfielder had scored in the Three Lions' first shoot-out triumph over Poland, but the outcome here would be different. Olsen correctly guessed that Alli would place the ball to his right, and a fingertip save earned Sweden the first breakthrough. Forsberg then reinforced the Blågult's advantage with a lethal penalty that made it 2-1 in their favour.

 

Cook couldn't afford to miss England's third penalty. To his supporters' relief, he did not, unleashing a powerful and accurate strike that the keeper couldn't reach. Neither did Asoro waste Sweden's third, sending Butland the wrong way to keep the Scandinavians' noses in front.

 

Eric Dier was the third and final Tottenham player to take a spot-kick for England, and he was the second to beat Olsen. A lethal strike to Olsen's left-hand side levelled the scores at 3-3, though only until Almqvist continued Sweden's perfect record from the spot.

 

It was now effectively match point. For the first time in their three shoot-outs, England were in a situation where one more miss would eliminate them from the World Cup. This was also the second time in nine days that the country's hopes rested squarely on the shoulders of Manchester City defender Stones. It was his penalty that had beaten Poland in the Last 16... and it was also his penalty that saved them from defeat to Sweden.

 

However, England weren't out of the woods. Were Sweden to score their next penalty, it would give the Blågult a 5-4 win - and a passage to their first World Cup Final since 1958. Up stepped the youngest man on the field, whose grandparents were still in primary school when the Swedes last found themselves this close to ruling world football.

 

At just 20 years old, and with only seven senior caps to his name, Mårtensson bravely stepped forward to take on a huge responsibility. The Arsenal defender confidently powered the ball down the middle of the goal... but Butland stood his ground and clawed the strike away. England had come from the brink of defeat and forced sudden death.

 

Ibe kicked off this 'sudden death' period by taking the Three Lions' sixth kick. He looked ill at ease as he made his way to the penalty area, as if he wanted to get it over and done with. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he horribly rushed into taking his penalty, ballooning it over the bar and into the hands of a spectator.

 

Sweden were now one kick from victory again. Lundqvist sensed that his moment had arrived when he powered the ball towards Butland's goal. He was preparing to wheel away in delight when Butland leapt up to turn his shot away. The smile disappeared from the Everton wideman's face very quickly indeed.

 

Sterling showed no signs of anxiety with the next penalty, which made it 5-4 to England. Sweden's captain Hiljemark now needed to score, otherwise the Three Lions would be in the Final. The AC Milan midfielder's spot-kick was very calmly executed, denying Butland the opportunity to produce a third consecutive save.

 

The tension rose further still as the eighth round of penalties began. One had to go a long way down the England penalty list to find Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne, who had not so much as found the net in 60 caps. The experienced Londoner would pop his cherry here, with an authoritative spot-kick giving England a 6-5 lead.

 

Jonsson was the man who took this shoot-out's 16th penalty. He might have opened the scoring with his head after only nine minutes, but he now knew that the match would end if he didn't beat Butland here with his right foot. The 22-year-old walked to the spot with an air of anxiety, and his kick down the middle was not a confident one at all. When Butland beat it away, England's 56-year wait to reach a second World Cup Final officially came to an end.

 

The Three Lions - who once had a notoriously woeful penalty record - had incredibly won three shoot-outs in a row. Poland, Italy and Sweden had all been outsmarted from the spot, and now only France - the pre-tournament favourites - stood between Mark Catterall's team and footballing immortality.

 

6 July 2022: FIFA World Cup Semi Final - at Stade du Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat

Sweden - 1 (Lennart Jonsson 9)

England - 1 (Lewis Cook 85)

[after extra time, England win 6-5 on penalties]

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT: Kane 0-1, Guidetti 1-1, Alli saved, Forsberg 1-2, Cook 2-2, Asoro 2-3, Dier 3-3, Almqvist 3-4, Stones 4-4, Mårtensson saved, Ibe missed, Lundqvist saved, Sterling 4-5, Hiljemark 5-5, Clyne 5-6, Jonsson saved.

ENGLAND LINE-UP (4-2-3-1): Jack Butland; Nathaniel Clyne, Axel Tuanzebe, John Stones, Josh Tymon; Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson (Lewis Cook); Jordon Ibe, Dele Alli, Nathan Redmond (Raheem Sterling); Callum Wilson (Harry Kane).

 

"The England fairytale goes on and on," ITV presenter Mark Pougatch said a few minutes after the Three Lions' victory was concerned. "They've played ten hours of football, come through three penalty shoot-outs, and now they're in the World Cup Final! If you were a TV producer reading the script for a new show, you'd think this was too far-fetched!

 

Gary Neville replied, "I'm absolutely gobsmacked, Mark. After seeing the last three games England have played, you're thinking that their name is on the trophy. To win two penalty shoot-outs at a tournament takes a lot of bottle. To win three shoot-outs takes even more than that.

 

"Resilience, stamina, calmness under pressure... a few years ago, you wouldn't be saying they were the biggest strengths in an England football team. You've got to give Mark Catterall a huge amount of credit for changing all that, and for making the extraordinary seem like it's par for the course."

 

Pougatch then said, "But it so nearly ended in tears. You just have to look at Lee Dixon right now to see how we're all feeling after seeing England come from the very brink of defeat to reach the Final. You must be exhausted, Lee!"

 

"I was never this stressed when I played in the 1998 FA Cup Final, that's for sure," Dixon puffed. "But yes, it's incredible how well England have recovered from every set-back.

 

"Every great World Cup team has its revolutionary and even tournament-changing moments. We saw four of them from England tonight. First, you had Lewis Cook with one of THE great England goals, five minutes from full-time. Then you had Jack Butland's penalty save from John Guidetti just a couple of minutes later. And then the last one was an even bigger save in the shoot-out to keep out Jonsson."

 

The legendary former Sweden and Celtic striker Henrik Larsson wore a pained expression across his face as Pougatch said, "Sorry to bring you in at this juncture, Henrik, but as someone who had an impressive record from the penalty spot, can you give us your thoughts on those misses?"

 

Larsson sighed, "When you are stepping forward to take a penalty, you need to be very sure in your mind where your target is. When Mårtensson and then Lundqvist had their chances to win the game for Sweden, I think they were too caught up in where they thought Butland was going.

 

"With Mårtensson, he saw Butland go to one of his sides with the previous four penalties and thought going down the middle was a safe bet, but the goalkeeper held his ground and caught him out. And then a minute later, maybe Lundvist was thinking like, 'Butland saved Tommy's penalty down the middle last time; surely he won't stay in the middle again?' But, of course, Butland did, and then he did it again with Lenny Jonsson."

 

Neville said, "We never really saw this before we arrived in Morocco, but Jack Butland is a wonderful, wonderful mind-reader. You can just see it every time. He makes sure to keep eye contact with the penalty taker if they let him, and then in those few seconds during the run-up, he pays attention to their hip movement to see where they're aiming to strike the ball. It doesn't work all the time, obviously, but having a goalkeeper who can read penalties like Edwin van der Sar and Jerzy Dudek did in Champions League Finals 10-15 years ago gives you huge confidence."

 

Dixon then warned, "But now England will be tested like they've never been tested before. France went into this World Cup as one of the pre-tournament favourites, and they've shown their quality with a couple of fantastic performances to beat Mexico and Brazil. Their passage to the Final has been much, much smoother than England's, and they will have had an extra day's rest before Sunday on top of that. Having gone through so much drama and used up so much energy, you've got to worry as an England fan that the Final might just be a bridge too far."

 

"Yes, I think Sunday could be very difficult for you," Larsson agreed. "France have incredible talent, and if it was down to just football ability, they would win the Final easy - like 2-0 or 3-0. The only doubt I have with France is that I'm not sure Claude Puel can motivate his team enough to really want the title. We know Mark Catterall can encourage England and keep them focussed, and it's that mental aspect where they have a small chance of winning."

 

Did Larsson's suspicion that France were lacking determination have legs, or was he just giving England fans a false sense of hope? Within the next 96 hours, all would become clear.

 

2022 FIFA World Cup Semi Final Results

France 3-2 Brazil

Sweden 1-1 England (aet, England win 6-5 on penalties)

[CFuller]

20 hours ago, mark wilson27 said:

Nothing like doing it the hard way Chris 

Yeah, I could hardly believe it myself! This World Cup campaign is probably the most extraordinary one I've ever been through on CM/FM.

I played this World Cup over the course of a week, playing one match per day, and I went through a ridiculous number of emotions from Thursday to Saturday. But how was I feeling on Sunday? You'll find out soon enough. 

[Drogba11CFC]

And I thought my Chelsea side had been leaving it late recently.

[CFuller]

6 minutes ago, Drogba11CFC said:

And I thought my Chelsea side had been leaving it late recently.

(Don't let Neil Warnock read that. )

What was that Hannibal quote you referred to a few months back? "You find a way or you make one?" Yeah, that's pretty much what England's philosophy has been at this tournament. We just don't know when we're beaten.

[Drogba11CFC]

3 hours ago, CFuller said:

(Don't let Neil Warnock read that. )

What was that Hannibal quote you referred to a few months back? "You find a way or you make one?" Yeah, that's pretty much what England's philosophy has been at this tournament. We just don't know when we're beaten.

I was more referring to the side I'm managing in FM17. Earliest goal in recent games has been after 48 minutes.

[CFuller]

3 minutes ago, Drogba11CFC said:

I was more referring to the side I'm managing in FM17. Earliest goal in recent games has been after 48 minutes.

Ah, I see. I recently had a spell like that in my current FM19 save as well. 

[CFuller]

***

 

After surviving yet another penalty shoot-out, England's players returned to Salé to make plans for Sunday's FIFA World Cup Final against France. Thursday was a day of recuperation for those players who had featured in the Semi Final win over Sweden. The full team resumed intensive training on Friday.

 

Manager Mark Catterall would leave no stone unturned ahead of the biggest match of his and his players' lives. The training sessions he and his coaches had devised were designed to exploit any potential weaknesses he had identified in the France team.

 

Catterall told his players before Friday morning's session, "Right, lads. I know it's been a long ol' tournament for you all, but now it's time to make that final push. After all, we don't want to be having any regrets when the final whistle blows on Sunday evening, do we?"

 

The players shook their heads before assistant manager Michael Burke said, "For starters, we're gonna concentrate on our wide attacking movement. France love to push their wing-backs up, so they'll leave plenty of space to exploit down those flanks. If we can take advantage of those spaces, we can cause them real problems."

 

Catterall added, "Getting good diagonal balls from the midfield to the inside-forwards will be key. And don't feel like you have to rush things. France love to press high up the pitch, but if you can keep calm and hold your nerves, you can still outsmart them."

 

Catterall and Burke then watched on from the sidelines as the players put their plans into action on the pitch. Jack Wilshere exchanged a series of incisive passes with James Ward-Prowse before seeing out Marcus Rashford on the flank. Having skilfully cut past his marker Josh Tymon, Rashford attempted to drill the ball across the penalty area to pick out frontman Harry Kane. However, his delivery was a poor one which opposition defender John Stones easily intercepted, leading to a pat on the back from Michael Keane.

 

Burke shook his head, "Not good enough."

 

Catterall barked at Rashford, "No, Marcus! You whip your crosses in!"

 

The Manchester United forward came over to the touchline, where Catterall explained further, "France's centre-backs are excellent at defending on the ground. Drilled crosses won't do much good against [Samuel] Umtiti or [Raphaël] Varane, cos they'll eat them up all day long. Your crosses should be coming in with pace and swerve, which will be more difficult for them to defend."

 

Rashford nodded, "Okay, gaffer. I'm on it."

 

Another attacking move a few minutes later gave Rashford the chance to execute his manager's advice. On that occasion, he decided to knock the ball past Tymon and swerve it into the box. That caused Stones more problems, as an unclean interception deflected the ball on for Nathan Redmond on the left wing to have a pop at goal. Though Redmond's initial shot was parried back to him by goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, he made no mistake from the rebound.

 

"Great job, Nathan!" Burke exclaimed, while Catterall gave the Southampton attacker a thumbs up.

 

Burke then told Catterall, "That was a pretty good move, if I may say so."

 

"Indeed. And did you see the movement from Harry there, drawing Keano out of position and leaving Nathan with ample space? If he can do that with either Umtiti or Varane, that could give our attacks even more complexity."

 

Tactical coach Tony Adams nodded, "Yeah, I can see your thinking there, Catts. It surprises you to see how suited Harry is to being a 'false nine'."

 

Catterall said, "Vicente del Bosque used similar tactics when Spain won Euro 2012 with their infamous strikerless system. He had Cesc Fàbregas in that 'false nine' role. By the end of that Final with Italy, Fàbregas had caused so many problems that he'd made even the great Andrea Pirlo look like an amateur."

 

"I'm not completely sure Harry should be playing on Sunday, mind you."

 

Catterall looked at Adams as if he'd offended his family, asking, "Excuse me?"

 

Adams pointed out, "I mean... he ain't scored since the first group game, has he?"

 

Burke asked, "And how many goals have Callum Wilson and Lawrence Warner got between them at this tournament, Tony?"

 

Adams pondered the question for a while before conceding, "Yeah, I get what you mean now."

 

"Things might have been different 10, 15, even 20 years ago, but you don't judge strikers purely on goals anymore," Catterall said. "Harry's not scoring much nowadays, but he makes big sacrifices for the team and reads the game so well. Don't you remember those two killer balls to Jack and Raheem when we looked down and out against Italy?"

 

"Okay, okay," Adams sighed. "I get it now. Maybe I was being a bit over-critical of Harry, what with him being a Spud and that."

 

The second half of that day's training session was devoted to the team's defensive positioning and movement. Catterall regarded France to be a side who attacked very narrowly, so he instructed his defenders to sit deeper and leave the opposition attackers with as little space to exploit as possible.

 

Catterall had another reason to focus on his team's defence. Just like how Kane hadn't scored since the opening group fixture against Japan, England had not kept a clean sheet in their previous five outings. That even Guinea-Bissau had found the net once against them didn't bode particularly well for the upcoming meeting with Les Bleus, who'd scored seven times just in their Quarter Final and Semi Final.

 

Keane and Stones were a central defensive pairing Catterall could always depend upon, but the England boss was also impressed to see captain Jordan Henderson provide ample support in an anchoring midfield role during training. Once the session had ended and the rest of the players headed off to the showers, Catts called Henderson aside for a one-to-one chat.

 

"How you feeling, Jordan?" Catterall asked. "Personally, I thought you were on fire today."

 

Henderson smiled, "Cheers, gaffer, but you know me. I never give anything less than 100%, whether it's in training or in a match."

 

"And now look where that hard work's got you to."

 

"Yeah. I know you're supposed to treat every game the same, like... but this is the World Cup Final. I can't lie and say I'm not a bag of nerves right now, cos believe me, I'm quite anxious just thinking about it."

 

Catterall said, "That's a good thing, though. It shows you're not a robot or a character created in a video game. You're just an ordinary guy from Sunderland, but with extraordinary talent, heart and courage."

 

"This is a moment we've all been dreaming of as players, ever since we were boys. Representing your country in the World Cup Final - it's the ultimate. Only the Champions League Final comes close, not that I'd know what that's like."

 

"And if you can pull off one more victory on Sunday, people will remember you forever as world champions."

 

Henderson then said, "That would be some way to celebrate my final game as England captain, wouldn't it?"

 

Catterall raised his eyebrows and asked, "You're retiring from England after Sunday, then?"

 

"No, I'm just giving up the captaincy. I may be 32 now, but I still have a lot more service and energy to give to my country. And besides, my next cap after the Final will be my 100th, so I would like to get to that milestone."

 

"I think it's very honest of you to admit that it's time to pass the armband on. Any thoughts on who should take over?"

 

Henderson suggested, "Harry would obviously be a popular leader in the dressing room, but I reckon Stonesy would be a good fit and all. He's another strong character, and he's got what it takes to win big competitions."

 

"I'm thinking along those same lines too," Catterall nodded. "Anyway, it was nice chatting with you. Now I'll let you go hit the showers."

 

"Cheers," Henderson replied. "One last thing, though, if I may. What's gonna happen with you and Mick after this tournament? Are you gonna stick around for the Euros?"

 

Catterall sighed, "We don't know yet, Jordan. Anyway, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we should just focus on this final game."

 

"Gotcha," Henderson smiled as he jogged inside.

[CFuller]

***

 

There were a little over 24 hours to go until the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final kicked off. On the Saturday evening before playing France in the game of their lives, an excited England side took the opportunity to wind down at their hotel in Salé.

 

Manager Mark Catterall had decided to spend his evening watching the 3rd-Place Play-Off between Brazil and Sweden on television. Before then, he found time to speak to his wife Jenny and their 14-year-old son Luke via Skype in his hotel room.

 

"Evening, Mark!" Jenny said excitedly as the Skype call began. "How are you?"

 

"I'm great," Mark nodded. "A bit nervous, obviously... but if you don't feel like that before a big event like this, then you're not human, are you?"

 

"Yeah, I can't wait for tomorrow night," Luke smiled. "It's gonna be amazing."

 

"I hope we play amazing tomorrow. Anyway... how have you been?"

 

Jenny replied, "Everything's fine over here. We had a nice walk in the forest this afternoon, didn't we, Luke?"

 

"Yeah, we did," Luke said. "I was really tired and my feet were hurting at the end, though!"

 

"Maybe that's because you don't go on enough of those long walks, son. If you can keep fit and go on those walks more often, your feet and your body will get used to it."

 

Luke seemed to take offence with his father's advice, and asked, "Are you telling me that I need to get fitter?"

 

"I'm just saying that it's not a bad idea. When I was your age, I was doing a cross-country run pretty much every Sunday to keep myself in shape. It didn't do me no harm, did it?"

 

Jenny said, "I've been telling Luke how important it is to look after his body, especially as he's starting to become an adult now. Anyway, we can talk more about that when you get home."

 

Mark asked, "Anything else going on that I should know about?"

 

"Oh yes... my parents have come up from Surrey for the weekend. They're going to pay us a visit tomorrow and then they'll watch the Final with us in the evening."

 

"That sounds great."

 

"Yes, it is. Mum's told me that Dad's put 50 quid on [Marcus] Rashford scoring the winner at 50-1. Of course, being a massive United fan, he's probably just doing it as a bit of fun more than anything!"

 

"Yeah, I suppose gambling's fine, as long as you're having fun and you don't go overboard."

 

"So is Rashford playing tomorrow, Dad?" Luke asked.

 

"I don't think I'm allowed to tell you that," Mark chuckled. "Besides, I've still not picked my starting line-up yet!"

 

Mark then heard a knock on the door. He called out, "Who is it?"

 

"It's Loz!" came the response from Lawrence Warner on the other side. "I need to speak to you about something!"

 

"Can't it wait?"

 

"It can't, gaffer! I need to talk to you in private!"

 

Mark turned back to Jenny and Luke and told them, "Excuse me for a sec."

 

He then got off his chair and opened the door before scowling, "What d'you want?"

 

Warner hesitated, "I'm sorry... am I interrupting something?"

 

"As a matter of fact, you are interrupting something," Mark growled. "I'm Skyping my family, if you don't mind!"

 

"Okay, I guess it can wait..."

 

Mark was now growing increasingly flustered. "Make your mind up, Warner, for God's sake! Do you want to have a word with me or not?"

 

Warner shook his head. "No, gaffer, it's okay. It's just something a bit personal. It can wait until we get back home."

 

"Alright," Mark replied sternly. "Whatever it is, just... put it aside for now. I don't want you being distracted tomorrow."

 

"Does that mean I'm playing?"

 

"Goodnight, Warner," Mark sighed as he closed the door. He then returned to his desk, prompting Jenny to ask, "What was that about?"

 

"It's just one of my players. He seems to have something on his mind but he won't tell me."

 

"It's not Harry Kane, is it?" Luke asked.

 

"No, it isn't. The only thing Kane ever has on his mind is going out on the pitch and getting goals."

 

"I think Kane is gonna have a great game tomorrow. He's not had any proper goals since the first game, I think, but he's always come good for the team whenever we need him. We've had three penalty shoot-outs and he's scored in all of them."

 

"Harry's one of the team leaders. I expect nothing less from him."

 

Jenny stressed, "Please don't put us through another shoot-out, Mark! One was bad enough!"

 

Mark laughed, "Yeah, sorry! At least we know we can win them! But I think tomorrow's gonna be a much more open game. France will give it absolutely everything, and we're gonna do the same."

 

"I would say 'good luck', but you've probably got enough of that as it is!"

 

"That's fair enough! So... you doing anything nice this evening?"

 

Jenny said, "I'm gonna catch up on that new murder mystery TV drama from Finland. I would try and pronounce its name, but it's got a lot of vowels, and I think I might butcher it!"

 

Luke said, "And I'll go to my room and listen to the Brazil-Sweden match on radio."

 

"TalkSport?" Mark asked.

 

"No, Radio 5 Live. They shut TalkSport down a few weeks ago, didn't they, Mum?"

 

"Yes, they did," Jenny nodded, before explaining to Mark, "There was this huge backlash against TalkSport when it turned out that their new owners had funded the campaign of a far-right fascist in the Slovenian elections. The police over here raided a load of properties and seized everything. So, yeah, TalkSport's off the air... for the time being."

 

Luke sighed, "That means I have to listen to Scott Mills and Basil Brush on the BBC instead. At least it's better than nothing, I suppose."

 

"I see," Mark said. "Well, I'm gonna watch that match on the TV in the hotel bar. We're sharing a hotel with a load of Swedish fans, so it could be quite noisy in there. They might not be too pleased to see me, mind you!"

 

Jenny said, "I'm sure they'll be fine, Mark. Anyway, I guess we'll let you leave now, so you can watch the game..."

 

Luke smiled, "Good luck for tomorrow, Dad!"

 

"Thanks, son," Mark said. "And I'll see you very soon. Take care."

 

After ending the Skype call, Mark Catterall made his way to the hotel bar to watch the 3rd-Place Play-Off. Brazil vs Sweden was a rematch of the highest scoring Final in World Cup history - the 1958 decider, which the Seleção won 5-2. There would be plenty of goals in Marrakesh as the classes of 2022 battled it out for bronze.

 

Brazil's 29-year-old talisman Neymar opened the scoring after 22 minutes. The Barcelona forward's 25-yard free-kick took a deflection off Sweden striker Alexander Isak, diverting the ball past a helpless Robin Olsen. However, Isak would equalise just four minutes later, converting a chipped through-ball from fellow Blågult frontman John Guidetti.

 

Potential disaster struck for Brazil in the 33rd minute, when Manchester City's inside-forward Gabriel Jesus injured his ankle ligaments in a firm challenge from Swedish defender Filip Helander. That would turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the South Americans, as Jesus' replacement would swing the tie in their favour in the second half.

 

23-year-old Ramón had been thrusted onto the international stage after a fantastic first season at Crystal Palace, for whom he'd scored 19 goals in 31 Premier League games. That earned the skilful striker a call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad, though he didn't make his first tournament appearance until the second half of the Semi Final defeat to France.

 

Ramón gladly took this second opportunity. He restored the Seleção's lead after 53 minutes, half-volleying in a left-wing cross from Monaco full-back Jorge. He then doubled his tally on 74 minutes, completing a brilliant breakaway move by slotting Neymar's centre beyond Olsen's reach.

 

Inspired by the new sweetheart of Selhurst Park, Brazil cruised to a 3-1 victory and secured 3rd place. Though their wait for a sixth world championship would be extended for at least another four years, they had still achieved their best World Cup finish since last winning the event in 2002.

 

The bronze medals were now around Brazilian necks. Less than 24 hours later, their English and French counterparts would be going for gold.

 

2022 FIFA World Cup 3rd Place Play-Off Result

Brazil 3-1 Sweden

[CFuller]

***

 

When it came to international football in the 21st century, England and France were two European nations who had greatly underperformed. The 2019 UEFA Nations League notwithstanding, Les Bleus had not lifted a major trophy since 2000. As for the Three Lions, they had rarely threatened to follow up their maiden FIFA World Cup triumph from way back in 1966.

 

On 10 July 2022, one of those two sleeping giants would arise from their slumber and roar back to the top of global football. The Stade du Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat - the capital city of Morocco - was staging the 22nd World Cup Final, which would see either France or England win the competition for the second time.

 

1998 champions France had come tantalisingly close to being crowned kings of world football again in 2018, sailing through to the Final against Belgium. Then it all went sour for Les Bleus, who were ripped to pieces by hat-trick hero Dries Mertens and the Red Devils at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium. Four years on, they were desperate to make amends.

 

Since succeeding Didier Deschamps at the end of a frustrating UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, Claude Puel had lost only one of his 26 matches as France head coach - a UEFA Nations League match in Italy in November 2020. His team had since gone on a 22-game unbeaten run in all competitions, underlining their status as one of the pre-eminent sides on the international stage.

 

France had squeaked through Group D as winners, with 1-1 draws against Croatia and South Korea sandwiching a comfortable 3-0 victory over Chile. They remained unconvincing against Iraq in the Last 16 but then turned on the style by putting four goals past Mexico. That was followed by a thrilling Semi Final meeting with Brazil, in which the French lost a two-goal lead before eventually prevailing 3-2.

 

Midfield powerhouse Paul Pogba had been in sensational form throughout the tournament. He even captained Les Bleus to victory over Brazil after their regular skipper - 35-year-old Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris - had surprisingly been dropped in favour of Newcastle United's Alphonse Areola.

 

Pogba was one of five current or former Manchester United players in the French squad, and they would all feature in the Final from the start. While Corentin Tolisso would anchor the midfield, his Old Trafford colleagues Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé would provide an attacking threat out wide. The lone centre-forward was the now-erstwhile United striker Anthony Martial, who had just been transferred to Atlético Madrid for £25million.

 

Chelsea's energetic destroyer N'Golo Kanté completed the midfield trio. The back four - from left to right - consisted of Theo Hernández (Bayern Munich), Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona), Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid) and Djibril Sidibé (Monaco). Surprisingly, Puel had decided not to reinstate 151-cap record appearance-maker Lloris in goal, which meant that Areola would earn just his third French cap in the World Cup Final.

 

Les Bleus also had plenty of depth on the bench, perhaps more so than England. If things were going wrong for them, they could always call upon Manchester City's suave forward and captain Antoine Griezmann, amongst others.

 

To make things more problematic for England, their opponents had one extra day to prepare for the Final. Mark Catterall's Three Lions would need as much rest as they could get without losing their sharpness.

 

When the big day arrived, and the time Catterall came to announce his starting line-up, he had a full 23-man complement to choose from. Indeed, only two players from what many pundits saw as his strongest XI - Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier and Arsenal winger Raheem Sterling - were not deemed fit enough to start the decider. However, Dier and Sterling would still be available from the bench if required.

 

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland was always likely to feature in the Final, as were Manchester City's central defensive duo of Michael Keane and the brilliant John Stones. Manchester United's Brendan Galloway started at left-back in place of Josh Tymon, even though the Arsenal youngster had greatly impressed in the Semi Final against Sweden. Calum Chambers of Everton was given the nod over Merseyside rival Nathaniel Clyne on the right flank.

 

Catterall had chosen a 4-3-3 formation - a similar one to Puel's, in fact - for this match. Sitting in the defensive midfield slot was captain Jordan Henderson, who won his 99th England cap on the biggest stage of all. North London rivals James Ward-Prowse and Jack Wilshere were positioned just ahead of the vastly-experienced Liverpool man.

 

Vice-captain Harry Kane was again chosen as the lone centre-forward, even though the Tottenham ace hadn't scored since bagging a brace against Japan in England's opening group game. He would be joined in attack by a couple of inside-forwards in Southampton's Nathan Redmond and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Both men had blown hot and cold in these finals.

 

Those were the 11 Englishmen who potentially had the world at their feet. Around 50 million people back home would be willing them on, in the hope that they could go one step further than they'd done at Euro 2020, when they lost the Final 1-0 to Portugal at Wembley. If they spurned this opportunity as well, it would be a truly devastating blow.

 

Catterall entered England's dressing room about 20 minutes before kick-off, as his players were changing from their training gear into their match kit. Unlike in 1966, when the Three Lions donned their famous red alternate jerseys for their date with destiny, the class of 2022 were clad in a more traditional all-white strip.

 

The players sat up to attention as the manager began, "Right, lads. This is it. It's the mo-"

 

Catterall was then interrupted by a mobile phone ringtone, which played the chorus to "This Moment" by Chase & Status featuring Blossoms. "This is the moment, this is the moment. All the songs were sad, until I came to love you..."

 

An embarrassed Keane fumbled for his phone and apologised, "Sorry, boss," as he hastily switched it off.

 

Catterall briefly stared at Keane in some contempt before continuing, "Now, as I was saying... it's the moment we've all be building up to for six years. Rebuilding this England team into a team of contenders has been a long-term project that has taken many, many hours of work in so many areas.

 

"Many of you have been with us on every step of this journey. Some of you have come through the youth set-up to get to where you are today. A few of you have been in and out of the side, always coming back with extra points to prove. The things you have in common, though, are that you are all fine footballers and even finer men, and that you are all fiercely passionate about succeeding with your country."

 

Assistant manager Michael Burke said, "We don't need to remind you of the scale of the challenge you face now, lads. When it comes to natural technical ability, nobody comes close to the French. Not the Belgians, not the Spanish, not even the Brazilians."

 

Burke pointed to his head as he continued, "But here is where we can win the game. You lads have got the attitude, composure and resilience to see off everything they'll throw at you and then throw it straight back at them. We've shown great fighting spirit in the knockout rounds so far, and it'd be a shame if we stopped now, wouldn't it?"

 

Catterall then declared, "This is all or nothing, lads. Let's make history!"

 

Kane got up from his bench and said, "The gaffer's spot-on, lads. Y'know, it's time to get our game faces on, y'know, and put our hearts and souls into one last game! And as Mick used to say... FOOTBALL'S COMING HOME!"

 

The players cheered in agreement before heading out of the dressing room and into the tunnel. As soon as their charges and fellow coaches had all left, Burke turned to Catterall and smiled, "I've got a funny feeling in my muscles... and that ain't the MND talking. I reckon we're actually gonna do this, Catts!"

 

Henderson and Pogba led out their respective teams onto the field before the national anthems were played. While thousands of English supporters had chanted "God Save The King" with pride, they were greatly outnumbered in Rabat by French followers. Their rendition of "La Marseillaise" was one of the loudest and most spine-tinglingly patriotic ever heard at any sporting arena.

 

Inspired by their passionate fans, France went on the attack almost as soon as referee Sagi Alfasi from Israel blew his whistle to kick off the Final at 8:00pm local time. The Manchester United triumvirate of Dembélé, Pogba and Mbappé were all involved in an early passing move that resulted in the latter launching a shot goalwards. Mbappé struck the ball well enough, but was just off target.

 

England tried to launch their first assault shortly afterwards. From deep in the Three Lions' half, Wilshere lifted the ball upfield to Kane, but the offside flag was raised by the referee's assistant as soon as Varane had intercepted it.

 

By the sixth minute, England were back on the defensive. Pogba laid the ball forward to Martial, who turned past Stones before attempting to curl the ball beyond Butland. Unfortunately for the new Atlético man, his effort dipped at just the wrong time, leaving Butland with an easy catch. Nonetheless, it was still the first shot on target.

 

England went back up the other end a minute later, winning their first corner after Wilshere's cross was deflected behind off Tolisso. Ward-Prowse's outswinging delivery was headed behind by Hernández for another corner, which the Tottenham midfielder also took. That time, Areola charged out of his area to pluck the ball out of the air.

 

A corner at the other end led to France's next opportunity in the 9th minute. Martial got above England skipper Henderson to connect with Dembélé's delivery, but his headed connection was not a clean one. The ball flew well off target, leaving the Three Lions mightily relieved.

 

It took England until the 17th minute to register their first official shot. Wilshere found Redmond in a good position, and the Brummie forward jinked past Kanté as he closed in on goal. He eventually opted to shoot from 25 yards, but cleared the crossbar by a significant margin.

 

Four minutes later, France really began to stretch the English defence out. Dembélé found Sidibé's overlapping run on the right flank and then advanced to the corner of the area to receive the return pass. After that, he sought out Pogba, whose first-time shot was blocked by Wilshere. The French captain had another chance soon afterwards, but his header from Sidibé's cross was easily gathered by Butland.

 

As France began to get frustrated, England gradually grew in confidence. A floated corner from Ward-Prowse in the 29th minute found the head of Stones, who perhaps should have crowned a fantastic tournament with a goal. It wasn't to be for the Citizens centre-half, whose header flew well wide.

 

On 31 minutes, Redmond's attempt to drill the ball to Rashford at the near post was hoovered up by Areola. The France goalkeeper would make an arguably bigger save just moments later, tipping over a powerful strike from Redmond.

 

The closing minutes of the first half saw Butland come to the fore in the opposite goal. A stunning acrobatic save to deny Dembélé in the 37th minute was followed by a somewhat more routine one to stop Kanté. The 29-year-old Stoke man was producing a sterling goalkeeping performance that would've made the late Potters and England legend Gordon Banks very proud indeed.

 

France would crank up the pressure in injury time. In the first extra minute, Pogba chipped the ball to Dembélé, who chested it before dribbling past both Galloway and Stones. He then tried to drill the ball across to Martial, only to misdirect his delivery, which Wilshere hacked out of the penalty area.

 

Les Bleus fared slightly better with their next couple of attacks. Mbappé and Kanté each had shots saved by Butland, who was absolutely determined not to give France a lead at half-time. With the scoreline still at 0-0 after the initial 45 minutes, this World Cup Final was still delicately poised.

 

The England players and staff were heading back towards their dressing room when Burke stumbled, almost knocking Redmond to the floor as well.

 

Redmond turned back and asked, "Whoa, mate! You alright there?"

 

"Yeah, Nathan," Burke grunted. "I'm fine... but could you help us up please?"

 

Redmond helped Burke back onto his feet before asking again, "Are you sure you're okay? You don't look too good."

 

Burke nodded, "Yeah, yeah. Don't go worrying about me. Not yet anyway."

 

The pair then joined their compatriots in the dressing room, where Wilshere exclaimed, "Boy, I need a fag right now! That first half was stressful as hell!"

 

Keane said, "I reckon The Sun have written their match report already. I can see the headline: 'RAHEEM STERLING LOSES WORLD CUP FINAL FOR ENGLAND'. Or something a bit snappier than that."

 

Catterall tried to calm the lads down, saying, "Alright, lads. Just settle down. It's only half-time and we're still in the game, and we can give the defence a huge amount of credit for that. I can guarantee you right now that the French forwards across the hallway are wondering how the hell they haven't gone in front!"

 

"Spot on, gaffer." Stones agreed. "We've really done a job on 'em in that first half."

 

"Yeah, they aren't liking that one bit. They'll be feeling a bit negative right now, and they might come out for the second half just trying not to lose. If we go out ready to take the game to them and win, I reckon we'll have them."

 

Wilshere smiled, "Boy, someone's confident!"

 

"I'm very confident in this team, Jack. But if we are to win, we're gonna need to make some changes. So here's the plan..."

[CFuller]

***

 

9:00pm local time in Rabat. Mark Catterall had just delivered the biggest team talk of his six-year career as England manager. His tactical changes and words of wisdom and encouragement would either make or break the Three Lions' final push towards FIFA World Cup glory.

 

Having lined his team up in a 4-1-2-2-1 formation during a first half dominated by France, Catterall switched to a more positive 4-2-3-1 for the second period. Midfielders Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere were pushed into slightly more advanced positions, with Wilshere now sitting in the hole behind striker Harry Kane. However, Catterall didn't use up any of his substitutes, instead keeping faith in the 11 players who'd kicked off proceedings.

 

France's manager Claude Puel, on the other hand, was ready to make his first substitution. Manchester United's defensive midfielder Corentin Tolisso lost his place in the XI to Barcelona's advanced playmaker Thomas Lemar, as Puel showed that he too wanted to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

 

France pushed forward first after play resumed, but England continued to hold firm, with full-backs Calum Chambers and Brendan Galloway each making vital early interceptions. Centre-half Michael Keane also did brilliantly to head away a corner delivery from Lemar in the 48th minute.

 

A little under a minute later, Galloway brilliantly cut out a deep through-ball from Les Bleus defender Raphaël Varane, knocking it away from Ousmane Dembélé at the halfway line. After denying his Manchester United team-mate, Galloway helped set up an England counter-attack that resulted in Wilshere threading the ball to Kane in the penalty area. France keeper Alphonse Areola had to get across his goal to palm Kane's shot wide.

 

England then had to survive a major scare in the 51st minute. Lemar slipped the ball across their penalty area to Dembélé, whose first-time strike was blocked by Galloway's left leg. The ball rebounded dangerously into the six-yard box, though Keane looked ice-cool as he hacked it out of bounds.

 

There was another display of assured defending after 54 minutes, this time from France's Samuel Umtiti. The Barcelona centre-back threw himself in front of Kane's shot from the edge of Les Bleus' area, deflecting the ball behind for a corner. Though Henderson's initial corner was headed away by French full-back Theo Hernández, the England captain reclaimed the ball and crossed it back into the danger area.

 

James Ward-Prowse took the ball before whipping it across to fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere just outside the area. Wilshere then laid it forward to Kane, who turned past Djibril Sidibé before having a pop at goal. Areola awkwardly parried the shot against his right-hand post, but the rebound then clipped his right shin and crossed the goal line.

 

When referee Sagi Alfasi pointed to the centre circle, Areola sank to the ground in agony, and England's delighted players gathered around Kane to celebrate. An incredible stroke of luck - and the first own goal in World Cup Final history - had given the Three Lions a precious 1-0 lead!

 

Puel quickly opted to freshen up his attack by sending on another substitute. Anthony Martial's race was run, so he left the field to make way for Paris Saint-Germain's pacey striker Moussa Dembélé.

 

France upped the pace in the 58th minute as they pursued a swift equaliser. Kylian Mbappé's high cross from the left was nodded away from Moussa Dembélé by a great interception from Galloway. However, Wilshere's attempt to head the ball further clear only saw him find Ousmane Dembélé, whose punt he then had to deflect behind. Ousmane's subsequent corner then evaded several French players before being caught by England goalkeeper Jack Butland.

 

Barely a minute later, Les Bleus were back under pressure. Umtiti's clearance of a Chambers cross only found Henderson, who then fed Marcus Rashford in a dangerous position. Rashford slid the ball into the box for Kane, who was under pressure from both Hernández and Umtiti. Kane selflessly squared it for Nathan Redmond to float in a delightful swerving shot that had Areola soundly beaten.

 

Redmond's eighth goal for the Three Lions was set to be his biggest yet. Barring a spectacular turnaround by France from 2-0 down, the World Cup would be heading to England.

 

Puel went for broke ahead of the final half-hour, replacing the tiring Ousmane Dembélé with Manchester City's attacking superstar Antoine Griezmann. Puel had now used all three French substitutions, while Catterall still had all of England's in reserve. Indeed, the only tactical change that the impossibly calm Lancastrian made after Redmond's goal was to drop Henderson and Wilshere back again, reverting to the 4-3-3 formation he had started this match with.

 

Griezmann had an opportunity to get France back in the match in the 62nd minute, after Lemar's cross had been deflected behind off Wilshere. Griezmann took the corner, but it was headed clear by Keane, who was looking unbeatable in the air for England.

 

Catterall eventually made his first substitution a couple of minutes later. With Wilshere having run himself into the ground, the stage was now set for Dele Alli to make his mark from the bench. This was the Tottenham Hotspur playmaker's 80th cap for England. He was still only 26 years of age.

 

Even with that change, England were still in full flow. A breath-taking counter-attacking move in the 68th minute almost led to Redmond scoring again, but his lung-busting run towards goal didn't quite have the finish to match. Areola pushed his shot behind, with that save arguably stopping France's situation from being damaged beyond repair.

 

England's exceptional team ethic was typified by the statistic that nine different players had scored for them at this World Cup. Galloway could have become the tenth when he leapt above a crowd of French players to connect with Ward-Prowse's corner, but his header looped just over the bar.

 

The Three Lions had another opportunity to finish off Les Bleus after 70 minutes, but Kane's shot cannoned off a determined Varane. Ward-Prowse then delivered yet another England corner, which Paul Pogba got his head to. Alli reached the loose ball, powering it well over. France had been let off the hook again.

 

Les Bleus launched one of their best attacks to date five minutes later. Sidibé stopped Redmond in his tracks and then hoofed the ball upfield for Lemar to flick on to Moussa Dembélé. After he dribbled up the right flank and went deep into the England half, Dembélé returned the ball to Lemar, who then slipped it into the box. Griezmann looked odds-on to bury the through-ball, but Chambers got in his way just in time to knock the shot behind for a corner.

 

Lemar's corner bypassed everyone in the England box, and France's momentum had been snuffed out. Shortly afterwards, Catterall took a calculated risk by substituting Kane and bringing on some fresh legs up top. 21-year-old Liverpool striker Lawrence Warner - the youngest player in the Three Lions squad - would have at least 15 minutes to experience the biggest game in international football first-hand.

 

Catterall's decision to take Kane off could have backfired had France pulled a goal back quickly. Thankfully, Butland was on hand to keep a dangerous shot from Kanté at bay in the 78th minute. When Dembélé headed wide a deep cross from Hernández four minutes later, Puel shook his head in disgust. The World Cup seemed to have slipped away from Les Bleus once again.

 

Catterall then went for the kill with his final personnel change. Ward-Prowse was substituted for another tenacious Tottenham midfielder in Eric Dier, who would have probably started in his place had he been fully fit.

 

France's attackers were now tiring noticeably. When Chambers took the ball off the advancing Griezmann in the 86th minute, his England team-mates pressed further upfield. Moments later, Rashford set up a golden opportunity for Warner to clinch victory with a dream goal. However, as Warner's nickname was merely 'Loz', and not 'Roy of the Rovers', there was to be no fairytale finish. Instead, the youngster's shot ballooned deep into the stand.

 

That miss would not matter to England. When an offside flag went up against Lemar during a French attack in the 88th minute, a smiling Catterall shook hands with his assistant Michael Burke in the Three Lions' dugout. The two men now knew that their years of hard work at the Football Association were about to yield them the crowning moment they had strived for.

 

The last few minutes were little more than a procession for England. France had given up all hope of battling back. In a repeat of the 2018 Final against Belgium, they had crumbled like cheese exactly when they needed to stay resolute.

 

This World Cup Final had been one of the cleanest yet. Alfasi had only given six fouls - five against the Three Lions, and just one against Les Bleus - and hadn't needed to reach for his cards at any point. Two minutes into stoppage time, the Israeli referee blew his whistle for full-time. The final scoreline: France 0, England 2.

 

ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley could not conceal his emotion at the final whistle, declaring, "56 years of hurt never stopped them dreaming, and now their dream has come true! ENGLAND ARE ON TOP OF THE WORLD!"

 

20,434 days had passed since England's only previous World Cup win. People back home could now stop counting.

 

10 July 2022: FIFA World Cup Final - at Stade du Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat

France - 0

England - 2 (Alphonse Areola og55, Nathan Redmond 59)

ENGLAND LINE-UP (4-1-2-2-1): Jack Butland; Calum Chambers, Michael Keane, John Stones, Brendan Galloway; Jordan Henderson; Jack Wilshere (Dele Alli), James Ward-Prowse (Eric Dier); Marcus Rashford, Nathan Redmond; Harry Kane (Lawrence Warner).

 

As many of the England substitutes and coaches rushed onto the pitch to celebrate, Catterall quietly made his way to Puel to offer his commiserations. The genial Frenchman graciously congratulated him on his success before the two men returned to their respective camps - one with a yearning of what might have been, and the other with a sense of overwhelming emotion.

 

Catterall gently wiped his eyes as the magnitude of what he'd achieved slowly sank in. Burke came over and asked, "What's the matter, Catts? We've won the f***ing World Cup!"

 

"I'm just... thinking of lost friends," Catterall sighed. "David Whiteman, Ray Wilkins... I'm sure they would've loved to have been here tonight."

 

"Pull yourself together, mate! Enjoy the moment! It only happens every 56 years, y'know!"

 

"I guess so," Catterall said. He then burst into a smile as he hugged his skipper Henderson, telling him, "You absolute beauty!"

 

Henderson choked up as he replied, "I can't believe what we've just done!"

 

Catterall told him, "No, Jordan. You always believed you could do it, and so did I. We wouldn't have won if we didn't!"

 

"And now I'm gonna lift that trophy in front of the whole country. Unbelievable."

 

There were more emotions in the ITV studio, as former England striker Ian Wright hoarsely told presenter Mark Pougatch, "I'm almost speechless, Mark. I'm so, so grateful that I'm alive to witness this moment. I've been watching football for about 50 years now, and that was the best I've ever seen England play.

 

"All those people who were saying we'd choke on the big stage like we always do... they must be eating their words right now. We stood up to everything the French threw at us in the first half, and then we threw it all back at them in the second. It weren't always pretty, but Catts don't do pretty. What he's done is he's built a team of winners at the end of the day."

 

Pougatch then ribbed Gary Neville, "Gary, your brother Phil has just won the World Cup as a coach, just like your sister Tracey did with the netball team three years ago. How does that make you feel?"

 

The older Neville conceded, "They're never gonna let me forget that, are they? But no, I'm absolutely delighted for Philip, and for the whole England team. All the work they've put in since Mark Catterall came in six years ago has been geared towards this very moment. We used to get knocked out of major tournaments by teams like Iceland, but like Wrighty said, Mark's created a team that can go toe-to-toe with the very best and beat them.

 

"From a defensive point of view, it was a wonderful, wonderful performance. John Stones was impenetrable at the back; he was easily my man of the match. You obviously also have to praise the captain for keeping things tight and keeping the lads motivated. For me, aren't many more inspirational team leaders at the top level of football than Jordan Henderson."

 

Back in Salford Quays, the BBC's pundits could scarcely believe what they had witnessed.

 

"I've never been more proud to be English," Danny Murphy said. "The spirit that England have shown throughout this World Cup has been absolutely unbelievable. They've looked down and out so many times, but they've kept their heads up and kept battling. It's almost as if Catterall has completely changed the England DNA."

 

Presenter Gary Lineker turned to the lone Frenchman in the studio and crowed, "Yeah, it was a fantastic Final display from England, wasn't it, Michel?"

 

Former French foreign minister Michel Barnier - who also served as the European Union's chief negotiator during the United Kingdom's exit from the organisation - sulked, "I hate you Brits. You got the better of us on Brexit, and now you got the better of us at football. It's like... the world has gone crazy!

 

"We should not have lost tonight. For 54 minutes, France were by far the better team. Then the keeper throws in an own goal like he's Boris Johnson, and then England score again. After that, the French team turned into... how you say..."

 

"Cheese-eating surrender monkeys?" Murphy suggested, prompting Barnier to let out a massive groan.

 

Lineker then asked Alan Shearer, "Alan, you've been very critical of England in the past, saying they've not been clinical enough in front of goal, and also that they've been too naïve at the back. Has tonight changed your opinion on Mark Catterall and his team?"

 

Shearer thought long and hard, and then said succinctly, "Gary... I thought England's game plan tonight... was perfect." The Novocastrian former striker then burst into a huge smile.

 

Lineker turned to the camera and said, "Well, there you have it! The BBC has been around for almost exactly 100 years, but I don't think we'll ever see anything quite like that again - Alan Shearer actually smiled. We might as well all pack up and go off the air now, because nothing's ever going to top that in my book."

 

The stage was then set for the award and medal ceremonies. None of the England players had won individual awards, though Lewis Cook had come closest, as his stunning late strike in the Semi Final against Sweden was on the shortlist for Goal of the Tournament.

 

The Three Lions' success had been built largely on teamwork, so it was no real surprise when six of their players were named in the starting line-up for the World Cup Dream Team. Calum Chambers, John Stones, Michael Keane and Josh Tymon made up an all-English back four, with midfielder Jack Wilshere and striker Harry Kane also being voted into the main XI.

 

After France's dejected players walked up to collect their runners-up medals, it was the turn of England's victorious stars to be honoured. One-by-one, all 23 players and the coaching staff entered the stadium's royal box to receive their winners' medals. Doing the honours were King Mohammed VI of Morocco, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Belgium's 2018 World Cup hero Dries Mertens.

 

Once everyone was in place, Infantino took hold of the World Cup trophy and passed it on to England's captain. 56 years after Bobby Moore accepted the old Jules Rimet Trophy from Queen Elizabeth II, Jordan Henderson fulfilled a dream that few of his compatriots thought would ever become reality again.

 

England were the world champions.

 

2022 FIFA World Cup Award Winners

Golden Ball: 1st - Alexander Isak (Sweden). 2nd - Paul Pogba (France). 3rd - Neymar (Brazil).

Golden Shoe: 1st - Eden Hazard (Belgium, 6 goals). 2nd - Álvaro Morata (Spain, 6 goals). 3rd - Paulo Dybala (Argentina, 5 goals).

Yashin Award: Robin Olsen (Sweden).

Best Young Player: Jamie Sattler (United States).

Goal of the Tournament: 1st - Jorrit Hendrix (Netherlands, vs Brazil - Last 16). 2nd - Memphis Depay (Netherlands, vs Brazil - Last 16). 3rd - Lewis Cook (England, vs Sweden - Semi Final).

 

Dream Team: Robin Olsen (Sweden); Calum Chambers (England), John Stones (England), Michael Keane (England), Josh Tymon (England); Eden Hazard (Belgium), Paul Pogba (France), Jack Wilshere (England), Neymar (Brazil); Alexander Isak (Sweden), Harry Kane (England).

Substitutes: Christian Früchtl (Germany), Raphaël Varane (France), Ousmane Dembélé (France), Timo Werner (Germany), Álvaro Morata (Spain), Djibril Sidibé (France), Paulo Dybala (Argentina), Lennart Jonsson (Sweden), Emil Forsberg (Sweden), Memphis Depay (Netherlands), John Guidetti (Sweden), Dimitris Kourbelis (Greece).

[mark wilson27]

What can be said Mr Fuller apart from congratulations. I bet you were glad it didnt go to extra time and penalties again

[CFuller]

6 hours ago, mark wilson27 said:

What can be said Mr Fuller apart from congratulations. I bet you were glad it didnt go to extra time and penalties again

If it had, I don't think I would have lived to tell the tale! 

Again, this World Cup adventure has been absolutely mad. From drawing 0-0 with Kazakhstan in our final qualifier to beating France in Rabat via THREE penalty shoot-outs... I've won the World Cup with England before (on CM99/00), but this experience has blown that clean out of the water.

Becoming a world champion is surely a fitting way to end this story... or maybe it'll give me the confidence to carry on with Catterall for one more tournament?

[CFuller]

***

 

After their captain Jordan Henderson lifted the FIFA World Cup, England's footballers were determined to savour every minute of their finest hour. They paraded the prestigious trophy on a lap of honour around the Stade du Prince Moulay Abdallah, as thousands of their supporters chanted and applauded.

 

The party atmosphere continued to build when the team finally returned to their dressing room. Manager Mark Catterall and his coaching staff had already snuck off mid-celebration to build a guard of honour outside the room, and they clapped the players inside before following them.

 

The Spanish chant, "Campeones! Campeones! Olé, olé, olé!", reverberated across the room as the players continued their celebrations. As Catterall watched on, his assistant Michael Burke screamed, "We did it, Catts! WE F***ING DID IT!"

 

"We did it for them, and for everyone back home," Catterall said, in a rather more reserved tone. "Just look at their faces. As far as I'm concerned, that makes the last six years worthwhile."

 

"Amen to that. I'm as pleased for them as I would be if they were my own kids."

 

The FA's communications director Ava Leggett entered the room at that point, declaring, "Goodness me! It's like the Rio Carnival in here!"

 

"That's what it feels like to win something you've waited your whole lives for," Burke replied.

 

Leggett patted Burke on the back, saying, "You were amazing. You too, Mark, obviously."

 

"Cheers, Ava," Catterall nodded.

 

Most of the England players were lining up for selfies with the World Cup trophy, so that they could share their greatest moments with their many followers on social media. Noting that some players were now shirtless, Leggett called out, "Listen, guys. It's okay taking selfies with the trophy, but just make sure you're all decent. We don't want any 'dick pics' doing the rounds!"

 

Raheem Sterling reassured her, "Relax, Ava! We'll be good! Promise!"

 

"And try not to damage the trophy either!"

 

Burke quipped, "Yeah, it's not like a Ferrari, where you can just go buy another if you wrap your first one round a post! And knowing FIFA, they'd probably fine us €50million if we so much as chip it!"

 

Manchester United defenders Brendan Galloway and Axel Tuanzebe held the trophy aloft, as their club-mate Marcus Rashford photographed them with his phone. Afterwards, Galloway smiled as he remembered an injured colleague, "I can't wait to see Luke Shaw's face when we get back to Carrington!"

 

Once everyone had started to settle down, Catterall addressed the room, "Okay, lads! I just want to say something to you all!"

 

As the room quietened down, the manager began, "Some of you will remember what things were like six years ago. This national team was at its lowest point in a long time. Many people were writing you off as overrated, overpaid prima-donnas who brought shame to English sport. They're not calling you any of that anymore.

 

"I know these last six years have been tough. We've had a few bumps on the road, but through sheer hard work and unity, you have proven everyone wrong and improved with every single tournament. 3rd place in Russia 2018, 2nd place in Euro 2020, and now... 1st place in Morocco 2022.

 

"None of you were born when England last won the World Cup. In fact, I'm pretty sure a few of you have parents who weren't around then. I weren't around then, believe it or not, and neither was Mick."

 

Burke added, "What you lads have achieved tonight will be remembered forever, even long after you have gone. You have become legends, just like Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Gordon Banks... Terry Paine."

 

Catterall continued, "Cherish this moment. Cherish those medals around your neck. This will be the finest achievement of your careers."

 

Galloway nodded, "Yeah, it is. I mean, us United boys have won the Champions League before, but this is a whole different level. The World Cup only comes round every four years, so you only have a few opportunities to win it."

 

Tuanzebe clutched his medal in his right hand and said, "Nothing beats having this on you. One day, we're gonna show these to our grandkids, and tell them about when we were world champions."

 

Nathan Redmond added, "[Lionel] Messi never won this, nor did [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Neymar ain't won it yet. Those are three great players, but we've done something they haven't. It's incredible, really."

 

"So where do we go from here?" Sterling asked.

 

Burke replied, "I think it's too early to talk about where we go from here. Even I'm not sure if I'll be with you for the next Euros in Italy."

 

Burke's eyes then welled up as he stood up and told the players, "I might as well tell you all now, but... a few weeks ago, my doctor told me that... I have motor neurone disease. I'm sure you all know what that is, but if you don't, it basically means the nerves in my brain and spine are dying. That explains why I've been a bit clumsy of late, and also why I've looked a bit... drunk... at times.

 

"There's no cure for MND. The doc says I may only have two or three more years left, so this might well be the end of the line for me. But however long I have, I will cherish this journey we've been on, and I'll remember you lads very fondly. I hope you drink in every last drop of your experience, 'cos for all you know, it might never get any better than this."

 

The players and coaches then gave Burke a passionate round of applause. Having sat down during his assistant's announcement, Catterall stood back up and said, "That was beautifully put, Mick. You're a great man and a great friend, and I don't know where we'd be without you.

 

"In fact, I could say the same about every single man - and woman - who's in this dressing room right now. I have never been so honoured to have had you all on our side. You are all true credits to your profession, and you have all worked tremendously hard to make tonight happen."

 

Jack Wilshere asked, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, "All of us? Even Mr Daddy's Girl here?" He then patted Lawrence Warner on the back as the young striker smiled nervously.

 

"That'll do, Jack," Catterall said. "If you're number 1 or number 23, if you've played six matches or you never got off the bench, you're all equally important to this team. I want to thank you all personally for everything you've given over... at least the past six weeks, if not the past six years."

 

Captain Jordan Henderson stood up and responded, "Thanks, gaffer, but it's not all down to us. If anything, we should be thanking you. I still remember that first training session we had together, when you said that you would 'make us winners'. You have made us winners, and we'll always be grateful to you for that."

 

"Wow," Catterall said, with a catch in his throat. "Thanks, Jordan. You're making me get a little emotional now!"

 

Sterling was next to praise the manager, saying, "I owe you a lot too, gaffer. I know we fell out a couple of time 'cos I wasn't playing much at club level, but you never ever really gave up on me. Moments like tonight make me so, so grateful."

 

"Raheem... you're one of the most talented players England have produced in recent years, so I wouldn't ever write you off completely. Anyway, we would have been so much worse off without your abilities."

 

"Yeah, and thanks also for helping me rebuild my confidence, especially when the press were on my back all the time."

 

Burke said, "Yeah, that was getting a bit silly in the end, weren't it? I still remember that story The Times wrote about you and the singer Tasmin Archer: '90s pop star blames Sterling for moonlit sky'."

 

Sterling raised a wry smile and chuckled lightly before Wilshere declared, "Okay, lads! Let's have three cheers for the gaffer! Hip, hip..."

 

"HOORAY!" the players cried in unison. They repeated it twice more, and then applauded before bursting into a chant of, "There's only one Mark Catterall! There's only one Mark Catterall!"

[CFuller]

Chapter 60 - Journey's End

 

The morning after the night before. Mark Catterall and his England team awoke at their hotel in Salé on Monday 11 July as the new champions of world football. They were still trying to take in the magnitude of their achievement over breakfast.

 

As Catterall tucked into a slice of black toast at the coaches' table, his assistant Michael Burke said, "I still can't believe what happened last night. It feels like a bit of a blur to me."

 

"You're telling me," Catterall smiled. "England lifting the bloody World Cup... that's something I've only ever seen before in documentaries, or on one of them computer games Jenny used to play."

 

"The Under-20s won it a few years back, didn't they? But this is the real thing, Catts! We're never gonna top this!"

 

"All those years of blood, sweat and tears will be worth it once we see the smiles on the faces of our compatriots."

 

"Oh yeah, the reception back home... it's gonna be something else!" Burke beamed. "We might be seeing loads of street parties, like when the Queen had her Diamond Jubilee, or when our cricketers won the Ashes!"

 

A male hotel receptionist then approached Catterall to tell him, "Sorry to interrupt you, Mr Catterall, but a very important person has asked to speak to you on the phone."

 

"Tell them to hang on a minute," Catterall replied. "I'm just finishing my breakfast."

 

"Okay, I'll let Mr Corbyn know," the receptionist said. Catterall then dropped what was left of his toast onto his plate and asked, "Where's the phone?"

 

Catterall made his way to reception and was handed a phone. He answered, "Hello, Mark Catterall speaking."

 

"Hello, Mark; it's Jeremy," replied the outgoing UK Prime Minister Jeremy Corbyn. "I have just called to personally congratulate you and your England team on winning the World Cup last night. It was a truly outstanding achievement that has made so many people in this country so very happy and proud."

 

Catterall said, "Cheers, Jeremy. I'm humbled that you've taken time to speak to me."

 

"Plans are already afoot to celebrate your team's achievements with special events across the country. We've arranged a homecoming parade that will take place once you've returned to London in a few hours' time. I also think another visit to Number 10 might be on the cards very soon."

 

"Oh no, there's no need..."

 

"I insist, Mark. Please take it as my personal apology for Juno Love's misconduct over the arrest warrant she unduly issued against you a few weeks ago."

 

Catterall nodded, "Okay. Thanks once again, Jeremy."

 

"You're very welcome, Mark," Corbyn said, before concluding the phone call, "Now I'll let you get back to business, and we shall see you back in England very shortly!"

 

A few hours later, the England team packed their luggage and left their Salé hotel for the very last time. They were then driven to Rabat-Salé Airport, from where they would board a three-hour flight back home to London.

 

At just gone 2:00pm British Standard Time, the flight touched down at Heathrow Airport. As the plane decelerated, Burke said, "Brace yourselves, lads. There might be a few people here to welcome us home!"

 

"There's more than a few, Mick," Catterall replied as he looked out of the window. "There's thousands of them!"

 

"The crowds are gonna be even bigger than last time, aren't they?" asked Dele Alli - one of the players who'd experienced the rapturous reception England team got upon returning from the 2018 World Cup.

 

"You bet they will be."

 

When the plane ground to a halt, the pilot said over the tannoy, "This is your captain speaking. On behalf of our flight crew, let me welcome you to Heathrow Airport, and let me also congratulate you on your success in Morocco. Football's world champions have come home."

 

Catterall got out of his seat and was handed the World Cup trophy by a security guard. He then turned back towards his players and said, "Enjoy this, lads. Your lives won't ever be the same again."

 

As the door opened and the security guard disembarked from the plane, Catterall took a deep breath before following him out. Thousands of onlookers greeted the England manager's arrival with wild cheers, which grew louder still when he hoisted the trophy into the air.

 

One by one, Catterall's players - and the rest of the England team - disembarked, all to their own special ovation. The loudest cheers were reserved for captain Jordan Henderson, vice-skipper Harry Kane, and Final match-winner Nathan Redmond.

 

Once everyone had left the plane, they all stood on the runway for a special team photo, with Catterall passing the trophy to Henderson. The Liverpool midfielder's broad smile would adorn most of the Tuesday newspapers.

 

The squad then made their way past the crowd and into the airport. A few players even agreed to selfies with some of the bystanders. Once inside, the team were greeted by their loved ones - parents, wives, girlfriends, children.

 

Kane had taken ownership of the World Cup when his five-year-old daughter Ivy - clutching a papier-mâché version of the trophy - rushed over to give him a hug.

 

Kane smiled as he gave his little girl a kiss on the forehead, and then said to his wife Kate, "Oh, they gave Ivy a trophy as well! I thought this was the only one they had!"

 

Arsenal winger Raheem Sterling was welcomed home by two of the most important people in his life - his mother Nadine, and his agent Aidy Ward. As a weeping Nadine bear-hugged Raheem, Ward said, "You killed it, Raheem! In fact, you did so well that I've had a word with Rafa Benítez about giving you a 100-grand-per-week pay rise!"

 

"Can't that wait, Aidy?" Sterling hissed, before asking, "There is a new deal on the table, right?"

 

Ward hesitated before responding uncertainly, "Yeah, of course there is..."

 

And what of Catterall? Upon catching a glimpse of his wife Jenny in amongst the crowd, he excitedly called out her name and then rushed over for an emotional embrace.

 

"I've never been so proud of you, Mark!" Jenny said as she fought back tears. "You did it!"

 

Mark told her, "None of this would've been possible without you, or Luke. Speaking of Luke, where is he?"

 

"I'm over here, Dad!" Luke called out. He was clutching a cardboard sign saying, "WELCOME HOME", written in English and Braille. Standing behind him was his half-sister - Mark's daughter Ashley.

 

Mark came over to hug Luke, telling him, "I've missed you so much, son. How've you been?"

 

"Yeah, it's been tough at times, but I'm so glad you're home... as a world champion! That must've been the best night of your life, right?"

 

"It's up there, but your birthdays always come first - yours and Ashley's."

 

Ashley smiled, "Sweet medal, Dad. I know I've got one from the Euros, but I'd love to be a world champion like you one day."

 

Mark replied, "Maybe you will, Ash. After all, you're a Catterall, and Catteralls never give up on their dreams."

 

"Hear, hear," came the call from a middle-aged man with a Lancastrian accent. It was Mark's younger brother Andrew, who was accompanied by their sisters - twins Gemma and Joanne.

 

"Blimey, you're all here!" Mark gasped. "You didn't have to come along, you know!"

 

As Mark hugged Andrew and then Gemma, Joanne said, "And what? Miss our big brother's homecoming after he's just won the World Cup?"

 

Gemma put her arm around her sister and said, "You know Jo ain't into football at all, but she was properly screaming and cheering her head off last night after England scored! That's what you've done to us! You've united this country around one team, after we've been divided on so many issues for so long!"

 

Andrew then made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion, "I hear there'll soon be a vacancy at Number 10, Mark. Maybe you should go for a job there if you wanna try something new."

 

"Yeah, I'll think about that," Mark smiled.

 

Ashley then called out, "LOZ!" as she saw her boyfriend Lawrence Warner emerge. The 21-year-old Liverpool striker sprinted over to her for a hug. He then reached into his trouser pocket and said, "I've brought you something from Morocco."

 

Loz handed over a small black box to Ashley, who asked, "This ain't your medal, is it?"

 

"Open it."

 

Ashley opened the box and was astounded to find an 18-carat amethyst ring inside. Loz then bent down on his left knee and asked, "Ashley Louise Minton... will you marry me?"

 

Ashley burst into tears, and sobbed, "Oh, my God! Yes, Loz! Yes, I'll marry you!"

 

As Ashley and Loz shared a kiss, Jenny told a stunned Mark, "Wow. As if your summer wasn't hectic enough!"

 

"I... I had no idea Loz was gonna propose so soon," Mark told her. "I know he wanted to ask me something when you and I were Skyping on Saturday, but I told him I was busy. Maybe this was what he wanted to talk about."

 

"Would you have agreed to Ash marrying Loz, Dad?" Luke asked.

 

"I don't know, son. But it's Ashley's life, and she can live it how she wants to."

 

Mark then felt a gentle pat on his back, turning around to see that it was from his former childhood sweetheart - and Loz's mum - Hannah Richardson. She smiled, "Well, it looks like we're gonna be seeing a lot more of each other, eh, Mark?"

 

Mark smiled a little awkwardly as Loz's dad Jack added, "This is gonna be quite the footballing family, isn't it? Imagine the kids they'll have!"

 

"I think it's a bit soon to be talking about children, Jack," Hannah tutted.

 

Jack then caught a glimpse of a 50-something refuse collector making his way through a crowd as he wheeled a couple of rubbish bins on a trolley. Recognising his face, Jack asked Mark, "Hey, Mark? That binman looks familiar. Weren't he that journo you had some run-ins with?"

 

Mark looked at the binman, who briefly snarled back at him before continuing on his way. Mark muttered, "Russell Whiteman," before shrugging, "No. Can't really say I know him."

[CFuller]

***

 

After being reunited with their loved ones, the World Cup-winning England team took part in an open-top bus parade across London on Monday afternoon. If they thought the crowds that had greeted them after finishing 3rd at Russia 2018 were large, then they hadn't seen anything yet.

 

A breath-taking sea of well over a million people had lined the capital's streets to salute their new national heroes. It truly was a sight to behold, and not something many England fans could have imagined after over half a century of despair and underachievement.

 

A few hours later, once the celebrations had died down, Mark Catterall and his family left London. Mark was understandably exhausted after his Moroccan adventures, so Jenny drove him and their son Luke up the M40 on their way back home to Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire.

 

Late in the journey, Mark asked Luke, "How's your music coming along, son?"

 

There was no response, so Mark turned his head around from the front passenger seat and saw that Luke was listening to music through his headphones. Mark gently tapped Luke's right knee and said, "Luke. Headphones."

 

After Luke took off his headphones, Mark asked, "Your music? On YouTube? How's that going?"

 

"I've... I've stopped that until the holidays to concentrate on my school work, 'cos Mum was getting a bit worried that I was slacking," Luke replied. Jenny nodded her head in agreement.

 

Lying back in his seat, Mark said, "Well, I guess that's fair enough, son. Are you still enjoying it, though?"

 

"Yeah, yeah. The other boys tease me a bit about it, but I've learned to rise about it and not let it affect me. And also, there's this girl in my class who says she listens to my songs. She really likes me, and to be honest, I really like her too."

 

"Oh yeah? Has our little man got himself a girlfriend, then?"

 

Luke blushed, "She's not a girlfriend, Dad. She's just a girl that I'm friends with. Her name's Jade, if you must know."

 

Jenny suggested, "Maybe you should invite Jade to come over some time over the holidays, so we can meet her. That'd be fun, wouldn't it, Mark?"

 

"I can't see the harm. Just as long as it ain't the first week of August, 'cos we'll be in Blackpool then, won't we?"

 

"Actually... I was thinking we should go somewhere outside of England instead, like the Highlands, or Snowdonia. After all that's happened, you'll probably be mobbed everywhere if we go to Blackpool."

 

"I guess you're right, Jen," Catterall sighed, accepting that it was probably not the right time to return to his hometown. "We need time and space to lie low and be together as a family. Lord knows we need it right now."

 

Luke then asked, "Mum... can you put the radio on please?"

 

As Jenny turned on the radio, Mark said, "Oh yeah. 606 should be on around this time, shouldn't it?"

 

Mark switched the station to BBC Radio 5 Live, where its presenter announced, "Welcome back to a special World Cup winner's edition of 606 on Radio 5 Live with me, Peter Crouch. I'm delighted to be joined this evening by the newly-retired former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, and the YouTube star KSI. Now let's hear from our next caller Mike, who's a Spurs fan from Eastleigh. Mike, are you there, mate?"

 

"Good evening, Robot," answered Mike - a middle-aged man with a generic southern accent. "Now, I know a lot of people will not like what I'm about to say, but I'll just say it. England are THE jammiest World Cup winners in history!"

 

Crouch half-laughed, "Wow, Mike! That's a controversial opinion, but I'd like to hear just why you think that!"

 

"For starters, they only had one good game all tournament, which was in the Group Stage against Holland. They then had the easiest road to the Final ever, but they still needed penalties to beat Poland, Italy and Sweden! If they'd come up against anyone decent, like Belgium or Germany, then to be honest, we wouldn't be here talking about this right now."

 

Hart argued, "I reckon you're being a bit harsh there, Mike. You can only beat what's in front of you, and at the end of the day, it's the results that matter more than the performances. Look at when Greece won the Euros in 2004, getting results by playing to their strengths."

 

"I ain't finished yet! And then France threw away the World Cup by not putting Hugo Lloris in goal? Who was the fella that played instead? Alfonso Tits, or something like that? That fella looked like he couldn't catch a cold in the Arctic! No offence, Joe, but he was even more hopeless than you were in your day... and that's saying a lot!"

 

Back in the car, Luke retorted, "You're talking a load of bollocks and you know it!"

 

Jenny gasped, almost in horror, but Mark defended Luke's language, "Leave him be, Jen. We all know it's just a load of claptrap!"

 

Jenny let out a sigh and said, "Alright. And actually... I was more shocked at what the caller said than what Luke said."

 

"You'll always get these naysayers in times like these. I mean, the Labour Government could bring about world peace and cure cancer, and there'd still be a few Tories moaning that they could've done it sooner."

 

"I guess so. Now what are we doing, dinner-wise? You want takeaway, Luke?"

 

Luke nodded, "Yes, please. We haven't had fish and chips for a while, have we?"

 

"Okay... we'll go get fish and chips. What do you want, Mark? Saveloy as usual?"

 

Mark said, "Nah, I don't fancy it right now. I just want some toast when we get home."

 

"Are you sure about that?" Jenny asked, to which Mark confirmed that he was happy to go without.

 

Jenny stopped at a fish-and-chip shop to order dinner for herself and Luke before the family arrived back home. As his wife and son sat down at the kitchen table to eat their takeaway, Mark put a couple of slices of white bread in the toaster. However, after noticing that something wasn't quite right, he asked, "Jenny... has the toaster packed up or summat? The lever's not staying down."

 

Jenny replied, "Oh... that was playing up just after you went away. I got one of my work colleagues to come round and fix it, and then it worked just fine."

 

"Well, now it's broken again - on today of all days! Bloomin' typical!"

 

Luke asked, "How long have we had that toaster, Mum?"

 

"Dad bought that about six years ago," Jenny replied. "Actually, that was the day you were unveiled as England manager, wasn't it, Mark?"

 

Mark remembered, "Oh yeah. I had to go to Currys at something like 8 in the morning to buy this when our old toaster packed up, and then I had to drive all the way down to Wembley for my press conference that afternoon! It's a little funny now, but it bloody weren't at the time!"

 

"Yeah, that was a strange day. And it's an incredible coincidence, isn't it?"

 

Mark sat down at the table and sighed, "You know... maybe this is a sign."

 

Luke asked, "A sign of what?"

 

"A sign that maybe it's time... it's time to pack in this job."

 

Jenny chuckled and asked, "Mark Catterall, you've made some strange decisions in your life, but you aren't seriously thinking of quitting England just because your toaster broke? ARE YOU?!"

 

"Oh no, don't be silly! I've already been thinking about my future for a while now anyway. Winning the World Cup seems like the perfect time to step down... but then again, maybe we can go to the Euros with a younger team and try to win that too."

 

"Good idea, Dad," Luke said, speaking through a mouthful of cod. "That old Ramsey fella only won one tournament with England, didn't he? And you've won one now..."

 

"Four tournaments if you include the youth teams."

 

"Yeah, that too. But win one more big trophy, and people will be calling you the greatest England manager ever! That's something to aim for, ain't it?"

 

Mark hesitated to give an answer, but Jenny put an arm on his shoulder and told him, "Whatever you decide, we'll be with you all the way. We know you'll make the decision that's best for you, and for all of us."

 

"Cheers," Mark nodded. He then got up from his seat and said, "Alright, then. I guess I'll pop over to Currys to get a new toaster. You don't want me being all grumpy in the morning 'cos I have no toast, do you?"

 

"Oh no, you don't have to go out, Mark," Jenny replied. "I'll go out and buy one as soon as we've done eating. You stay right here and get some rest. I insist."

 

Mark reluctantly agreed and headed to the cutlery drawer to pick up a fork. He then sat down again and asked Luke, "You don't mind if I pinch a few of your chips, do you, Luke?"

 

"I don't mind, Dad," Luke said. Mark then smiled as he forked a couple of his son's chips from his plate and tucked into them. After spending the best part of six weeks apart from his family, he felt great to be back home again.

[Drogba11CFC]

From chief football writer to binman? That's some demotion. I'd have thought that he'd have gone to Russia Today or somewhere similar.

Although it would have been funnier (IMHO anyway) if he'd joined the God squad and shown up offering Catts a leaflet and asking him if he'd found Jesus.

Still, if he hates his new job now, wait until he gets Juno Love as a colleague.

[CFuller]

9 hours ago, Drogba11CFC said:

From chief football writer to binman? That's some demotion. I'd have thought that he'd have gone to Russia Today or somewhere similar.

Although it would have been funnier (IMHO anyway) if he'd joined the God squad and shown up offering Catts a leaflet and asking him if he'd found Jesus.

Still, if he hates his new job now, wait until he gets Juno Love as a colleague.

Russell Whiteman's career change was more of a reference to Phill Jupitus' character in "Mike Bassett: England Manager". In fact, you'll find a few references to that film throughout this story.

Religion is actually one of the few topics I have not really touched on in this story (aside from Mark's brother briefly joining a cult). Catts himself is not particularly religious and is perhaps more agnostic than anything (a bit like me in that respect).

[CFuller]

***

 

It was midday on Wednesday 13 July at Wembley Stadium. England manager Mark Catterall and his assistant Michael Burke were sitting outside the Football Association boardroom, getting ready for a post-FIFA World Cup meeting, where their futures would be decided.

 

"Here we are again," Burke sighed. "Another tournament over, another meeting with the head honchos."

 

"And the same old photographs on the wall of all the previous England coaches," Catterall added. "Give it a few weeks, and we'll be up there."

 

Burke then asked Catterall about the England Under-19s team, who had just begun their European Championship campaign in Switzerland. "Did you watch the Under-19s last night?"

 

"I didn't, to be honest, but I know they beat Turkey 2-0."

 

"Yeah, they did. That lad Stephen Sumner scored again. I'm telling you now, Catts; he's gonna be quite some player."

 

"We'll see about that. When's their next match?"

 

"Tomorrow, against Germany. Then they've got the hosts Switzerland on Sunday. That's a tough group, but I reckon they can get out of it, and maybe even go all the way."

 

"I wouldn't put it past them."

 

Changing the subject back to their long-term futures, Burke asked, "Have you decided what you're going to do now?"

 

Catterall nodded, "Yes. I'm 100% sure now. You?"

 

"Yeah, I've pretty much decided as well. You told any of the players yet?"

 

"I phoned five of them yesterday to let them know. Hendo [captain Jordan Henderson], obviously, and also Dele [Alli], Keano [Michael Keane], and the two Jacks - Wilshere and Butland."

 

The boardroom door then opened, and out came FA vice-chairman Dexter Poyner, who told the duo, "Angela and I are ready to see you now."

 

"Cheers, Dexter," Catterall nodded as he helped an unsteady Burke up from his seat. The pair then entered the boardroom, exchanging handshakes with Poyner and chairwoman Angela Ruskin before sitting down.

 

Ruskin began, "Thank you for coming down to see us. Before we start, I would like to give you my congratulations on a fantastic tournament. What you and your team achieved in Morocco will be remembered by football fans across England for decades and centuries to come."

 

"As Newman & Baddiel once said, you've brought football home," Poyner smiled.

 

Catterall replied, "Thank you. It took a lot of hard work, but we pulled through."

 

Burke added, "We've proven that you don't need a load of global superstars to win something nowadays. If you've got a close-knit team that everyone works hard for, then you can achieve anything. You remember Greece, don't you?"

 

"Yes, of course, we all do," Poyner responded. "What a team! John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John - just wow."

 

Ruskin smiled awkwardly as she tried to ignore Poyner's last comment, saying, "And, of course, bringing the World Cup back home to England is a fitting tribute to our dear friend David Whiteman. He would have loved to have watched you win the Final, I'm sure."

 

Catterall sighed, "Yeah, I still can't get over that. How's Daphne?"

 

"She's holding up as well as can be expected. You do know that the funeral's in a fortnight's time, right?"

 

Catterall nodded, "His youngest son Sebastian phoned me yesterday with the details. It's at Chichester Cathedral on Thursday the 28th. Chichester's where he grew up, isn't it?"

 

"That is correct, yes," Ruskin confirmed. "Anyway, let's talk about where we go from here."

 

Burke shrugged, "Where do we go? We've come 3rd, 2nd and 1st in major tournaments. The only way's down, ain't it?"

 

"Or you can stay exactly where you are, and win another tournament," Poyner suggested.

 

Catterall agreed, "Euro 2024 in Italy has got to be this team's next target. England have never won the European Championship, of course. Win that, and you've built a legacy."

 

Ruskin said, "How would you go about that? Would you keep your world champions together for one last time, or would you start bringing in those young talents from the Under-21s?"

 

"If we were gonna stick around for another two years, then we'd do that. I want to keep players like Harry Kane, John Stones and Eric Dier around for a bit longer. At the same time, though, I think we've got to focus on developing the new generation - Josh Tymon, Lawrence Warner..."

 

"Don't forget Neil Campbell, especially now he's just signed for Arsenal," Burke interrupted. "They paid Wolves silly money for him, didn't he?"

 

"£20million, potentially rising to £40million," Poyner said. "That is... a lot of money for a sportsman, if I may say so."

 

Catterall nodded, "Yes, if it was up to me, I'd build my team around Campbell in midfield. He could become that world-class playmaker that England need to become a truly great team."

 

Ruskin said, "Forgive me, but it sounds like you're not sure you want to stay for another cycle."

 

Burke sighed, "We've thought long and hard over these last 48 hours since the Final. Part of us wants to quit while we're ahead and pass the reins on to someone else..."

 

"...and part of us feels that we still have unfinished business with England," Catterall continued.

 

Ruskin said, "Well, we would certainly love to have you on board for two more years, maybe even four if you want to defend the World Cup."

 

Poyner passed a couple of documents on to Catterall and Burke, saying, "We've drafted up some new contracts for you, running up until the 2026 World Cup in Canada. Have a look through them, and if you like what you see, then let's get it all sorted today."

 

Catterall flicked through his proposed contract, and then turned up his face in disappointment. "It says here that I'd only be getting £46,000 per week."

 

"You're gonna cut my salary by a third as well," Burke said. "What gives?"

 

Ruskin sighed, "I'm afraid that money is tight nowadays. We at the FA need to cut costs where we can, especially at the top. We can't realistically afford to pay anyone £3.5million a year, let alone the most successful England manager in recent history."

 

Poyner asked, "Though we could at least give Mr Catterall and Mr Burke more reasonable salaries, right? We've talked about this before. We should be doing all we can to keep hold of them."

 

Catterall stated, "I appreciate that you're trying to fight our corner, Dexter, but we can do that ourselves just fine. We're northerners, you see. And besides, it ain't about the money."

 

"The thing is, we'd already decided what we were going to do before this meeting," Burke said. "Whether you gave us a pay cut or even a pay rise, nothing was gonna change your mind. If anything, this has made things easier."

 

Ruskin asked, "So what have you two decided?"

 

Catterall took a deep breath, and then told the executives, "We've decided that now's the time to move on."

 

"We've had a wonderful time coaching England, and getting them where they are today," Burke added. "But we feel that ten years with the FA is enough... and what better way to bow out than by winning the World Cup?"

 

"To be honest, Angela... I felt insulted when you took away my control of the youth teams last summer. I took on this job to revolutionise how the national teams are run, and I felt you undermined all the hard work I'd put in. I've never forgotten that."

 

Ruskin stressed, "It was for your good as well as for the greater good."

 

Catterall said, "I hope you're right; I really do. But as far as Mick and I are concerned, our work here is done."

 

Burke sighed, "We're mentally spent, Angela. Mark's had to put up with dog's abuse and media slurs over the last couple of tournament cycles, and I'm sure he'll tell you he can't take no more. And as you well know, I've got my own health issues, so I need to spend as much time at home with my family as possible before... before it's too late."

 

"So... you're resigning?" Poyner asked.

 

Catterall nodded, "As if it weren't clear enough already, then yes."

 

Ruskin sighed deeply, and then reluctantly said, "Well... we're sorry to see you go. You've done a marvellous job since 2016, and it will be incredibly difficult to replace you."

 

Catterall said, "It's been a pleasure to have served the FA over the last decade, starting with coaching the Under-17s, and then moving up to the seniors and the older age groups. We'd like to thank you, Angela, and your predecessors, for allowing me this opportunity."

 

"You're welcome, Mark," Ruskin said as she shook Catterall's hand. She then shared a handshake with Burke before telling him, "And the same to you, Michael. We know you've been just as important to the England cause... and if you ever need any support, just call me."

 

"That's very nice of you to say, Angela," Burke smiled.

 

Catterall and Burke then shook hands with Poyner, who said, "Good luck for the future. I know you'll succeed at whatever you do next."

[Drogba11CFC]

Catterall for Chelsea!

[CFuller]

25 minutes ago, Drogba11CFC said:

Catterall for Chelsea!

Unfortunately, they've already appointed a new manager (more on that tomorrow). You might have heard of him.

[CFuller]

***

 

Mark Catterall's departure as England manager was announced on the evening of 13 June. The Football Association released the following statement:

 

Quote

"The Football Association can today confirm that Mark Catterall has resigned as manager of the England men's team.

 

Mark's decision comes after a historic World Cup tournament in Morocco, where he led England to a first major senior championship win since 1966. The unforgettable triumph over France in the Final on Sunday ensured that he will go down alongside Sir Alf Ramsey as a true icon of the English game.

 

Mark has worked tirelessly with the FA for the past decade - initially as head coach of the men's Under-17s team, and for the last six years as manager of the senior team. He also managed the Under-21s, Under-20s and Under-19s squads from 2016 to 2021. Since joining the FA, he has been involved in five international championship victories, at every level from the Under-17s upwards.

 

In the wake of his greatest triumph, Mark has now decided to pursue a fresh challenge, and his resignation has been reluctantly accepted by FA chairwoman Angela Ruskin. Assistant manager Michael Burke has also left his post with immediate effect.

 

The FA will begin the process of recruiting a new England manager in due course. It is hoped that a successor will be in place for the start of the new Nations League campaign in September.

 

The FA would like to express its sincere thanks to Mark and Michael for their exceptional contributions to the England national set-up over recent years. We wish both men well for the future."

 

The front pages of the Thursday newspapers were full of tributes to the departing boss. The Sun - who had famously dubbed him 'The Impossible Man' after his first press conference in 2016 - wrote, "As Catts quits England three days after his finest hour, we salute THE POSSIBLE MAN."

 

The Daily Mail's headline read, "NOW ARISE, SIR MARK," as they began a campaign to get Catterall knighted by King Charles III. The Daily Telegraph concurred as they paid tribute to "the greatest football coach Britain has produced this century", while The Times hailed him as "the man who transformed England from perennial underachievers to global giants".

 

Catterall browsed through those newspapers in his office on his final morning at St George's Park, where he and Michael Burke would shortly say their goodbyes to their coaching staff. Burke told him, "They're saying a lot of great things about you, Catts."

 

"Yeah, I'm quite touched," Catterall nodded. "I'm especially surprised with The Sun. It wasn't that long ago that they were calling me Garfield and asking for my head."

 

Burke laughed, "And now they've rushed to the front of the queue to salute you! It's bloody typical of them, ain't it?"

 

The pair then heard a knock on the door. Catterall asked, "Who is it?"

 

"The worst boyband ever!" Phil Neville called out from behind the door.

 

Burke replied, "Ah... 5 Seconds of Summer! Come on in!"

 

Neville opened the door and was followed by his fellow coaches - Tim Flowers, David Platt, Tony Adams, Warren Joyce, and fitness coach Chris Neville.

 

"Great to see you, lads," Burke said. "I take it you've come to say goodbye?"

 

Adams said, "Yeah, we have. I wish you'd told us about your decision first, but..."

 

"Sorry about that, Tony," Catterall said. "But you've had a great time working with us, haven't you?"

 

"Absolutely. I wouldn't have changed this for the world."

 

"You deserve special credit, Tony, for helping make our defence as strong as it was at the World Cup. Four defenders in the Best XI - that takes some doing."

 

"Cheers, Catts. I once led Wycombe Wanderers to 24th place in the old Second Division, but this is without doubt the most fulfilling experience I've ever had as a coach."

 

Catterall turned to Joyce and said, "And Joycey, you've been fantastic over the past four years. Your tough love and determination really rubbed off on the lads."

 

Joyce replied, "You should always be ready and willing to give everything for your country. As you know, I never got that chance, but I'd like to think that I've restored their passion for England football."

 

Burke then told Platt, "David... you are THE most tedious, boring, obnoxious excuse of a man we've ever met in our lives. But we don't know what we'd do if you weren't around."

 

"You've been with us from pretty much the first day," Catterall added. "You've consistently been here half an hour before all the other coaches, and you've always stayed for an extra hour after we've all left. You have never stopped thinking about how best to prepare the England team for these challenges."

 

Platt nodded, "When you've represented your country as long as I have, it becomes engrained in you. Work never stops. That probably explains why I found divorce papers in my mail when I got back home from Morocco."

 

Platt then stepped forward to shake hands with both Catterall and Burke before saying, "Thank you, gentlemen. You have given me the greatest experience of my career."

 

Burke asked, "What? Even greater than that goal against Belgium in 1990?"

 

"That's only number 3 now," Platt said. "It's just below that time I discovered a 17-year-old Jermaine Jenas in Nottingham Forest's youth team."

 

Catterall smiled, "Never change, David."

 

"Then, of course, we come to you, Phil," Burke said. "I guess this was a better World Cup experience for you than your last one with the women's team, wasn't it?"

 

"Don't remind me," Phil Neville laughed. "Yeah, I loved every minute of it. To be honest, though, this experience has made me sort of wish I was 20 years younger, y'know?"

 

"I think Josh Tymon showed that we wouldn't have needed your legs anyway," Burke replied.

 

"I guess so. But of course, this group of players has been smashing to work with. They're all great lads and they deserve the success that's come to them."

 

"And you all deserve the success that's come to you," Catterall said. "It's been a privilege to work with every single one of you. Phil, David, Warren, Tony... and don't think I've forgotten about your fitness work, Chris."

 

"I'm just doing my job as always," Chris Neville nodded. "It's nice to feel appreciated, though."

 

Goalkeeping coach Flowers asked, "Ahem, boss... haven't you forgotten about someone?"

 

"Ah, yes," Catterall realised. "Send my regards to David Fevre and James Haycock, and the rest of the physiotherapy and medical teams."

 

Burke then asked the coaches, "So, lads... what are you going to do now? Are you going to stick around for the new regime, or are you..."

 

"Yeah, I'll stay for the Euros if the FA want me to," Phil Neville said.

 

Chris Neville added, "I've worked with the England team since the Hodgson era, but I'm happy to stick around too."

 

"I'll wait and see what happens next," Adams said. "If the new boss don't want me, then there's probably some rich businessman in Yemen who'll want me to manage his football club instead."

 

Joyce said, "I'll always be thankful to you for giving me this opportunity, Mark. I don't think I would be here without your faith, and I don't know if the new manager will trust me as much as you. I'm probably gonna follow you and Mick out."

 

Platt nodded, "I think I'll step down as well. I'm 56 years, one month and four days old now, so I'll probably want to look for one more managerial job before I retire."

 

Flowers began, "Yeah, I'm gonna..." but Burke interrupted, "Okay, lads. I think that's everything."

 

Catterall and Burke got up from their seats to hug or shake hands with their coaches and say their final goodbyes. Afterwards, Catts said, "I think we're just gonna finish clearing our desks, and then we'll be off."

 

"Wait a minute, lads," Platt said. "Haven't you forgotten something?"

 

"Ah, of course. We haven't thanked the goalkeeping coach yet, have we?"

 

"No, it's not that. You see, it's been an old tradition - going way back to the summer of 2018 - for every departing England coach to sing in front of the other lads before they leave St George's. You've got two songs to choose from - 'Let's Dance' by Chris Rea, or 'Blinded By The Sun' by The Seahorses. You can pick one of them, Mark, and Mick can sing the other one."

 

Catterall smiled, "Let us get back to you on that."

[CFuller]

2021/2022 Season Summary

 

Premier League

Final Table

                                   P     W     D     L     F     A     GD    PTS
1.    C/CL  Man Utd                38    31    4     3     98    18    80    97
2.    CL    Man City               38    26    5     7     65    36    29    83
3.    CL    Newcastle              38    20    13    5     62    33    29    73
4.    CL    Arsenal                38    21    9     8     73    32    41    72
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.    EL    Liverpool              38    18    9     11    68    46    22    63
6.    EL    Tottenham              38    18    9     11    50    41    9     63
7.          Southampton            38    18    9     11    52    45    7     63
8.          Chelsea                38    17    11    10    73    60    13    62
9.          Everton                38    15    12    11    46    37    9     57
10.         Norwich                38    15    8     15    42    45    -3    53
11.         Crystal Palace         38    13    9     16    59    63    -4    48
12.         Bournemouth            38    11    13    14    56    61    -5    46
13.         West Ham               38    10    12    16    46    56    -10   42
14.   EL    Stoke                  38    11    8     19    43    67    -24   41
15.         Huddersfield           38    11    7     20    42    67    -25   40
16.         Leicester              38    10    8     20    38    61    -23   38
17.         Wolves                 38    7     11    20    45    69    -24   32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.   R     Leeds                  38    7     6     25    30    77    -47   27
19.   R     Aston Villa            38    6     8     24    18    55    -37   26
20.   R     Watford                38    6     7     25    27    64    -37   25

 

Awards

PFA Player of the Year: Ousmane Dembélé (Man Utd)

FWA Footballer of the Year: Ousmane Dembélé (Man Utd)

PFA Young Player of the Year: Ramón (Crystal Palace)

Golden Boot: Paulo Dybala (Arsenal)

Manager of the Year: David Wagner (Newcastle)

PFA Team of the Year: David De Gea (Man Utd); Héctor Bellerín (Arsenal), Alessio Romagnoli (Chelsea), Antonio Rüdiger (Man Utd), Ricardo Rodríguez (Chelsea); Ousmane Dembélé (Man Utd), Paul Pogba (Man Utd), Bernardo Silva (Man Utd), Leroy Sané (Man City); Paulo Dybala (Arsenal), Ramón (Crystal Palace)

 

Managerial Movements

Watford - Ole Gunnar Solskjær sacked on 20 November; Ryan Giggs appointed on 3 December

Stoke - Ian Cathro sacked on 26 December; Eddie Howe appointed on 11 January

Wolves - Ben Petty sacked on 3 January; Ian Cathro appointed on 19 January

West Ham - Eddie Howe moved to Stoke on 11 January; John Carver appointed on 1 February

Leeds - John Carver moved to West Ham on 1 February; Paul Hurst appointed on 23 February

Aston Villa - Stuart Pearce sacked on 15 May; Mark Delaney appointed on 3 June

Watford - Ryan Giggs sacked on 15 May; Stephen Carr appointed on 6 June

Chelsea - Roger Schmidt sacked on 16 May; Pep Guardiola appointed on 4 June

Leicester - Stevie Crawford sacked on 16 May; Michael Appleton appointed on 9 June

Huddersfield - Michael Appleton moved to Leicester on 9 June; Luke Garrard appointed on 23 June

 

Leading Transfers

DATE        NAME                      POSITIONS           FROM            TO              FEE (POTENTIAL)
04/08/2021  Kai Havertz               M/AM (C)            Leverkusen      Chelsea         £76M
01/07/2021  Benjamin Henrichs         D (RL)              Leverkusen      Man City        £60M
01/07/2021  Kylian Mbappé             M (R), AM (RL)      Monaco          Man Utd         £58M
04/01/2022  Luciano Vietto            ST (C)              Atlético        Man Utd         £42.5M (£60M)
08/07/2021  Kuki                      AM (C), ST (C)      Everton         Man City        £38M (£59M)
01/07/2021  Moses Masuku              D (C)               Anderlecht      Arsenal         £24M
01/07/2021  Hermillon Aïtchedji       M/AM (L)            Lyon            Liverpool       £23.5M (£28M)
15/07/2021  Diego Lemos               D (R)               Fluminense      Tottenham       £20.5M (£31.5M)
10/08/2021  Andrea Belotti            ST (C)              FC Bayern       Liverpool       £20.5M (£27.5M)
01/07/2021  Sergi Peris               AM (C)              Valencia        Everton         £19.25M

 

Also in England

Championship

Promoted: Burnley (1st), Swansea (2nd), Sunderland (3rd)

Also in Play-Offs: Brentford (4th), Fulham (5th), Brighton (6th)

Relegated: Plymouth (22nd), Walsall (23rd), Preston (24th)

 

League One

Promoted: Barnsley (1st), Swindon (2nd), Rotherham (3rd)

Also in Play-Offs: Cambridge (4th), Luton (5th), Blackburn (6th)

Relegated: Bury (21st), Gillingham (22nd), Bradford (23rd), Port Vale (24th)

 

League Two

Promoted: Blackpool (1st), Southend (2nd), Crawley (3rd), Scunthorpe (4th)

Also in Play-Offs: Barnet (5th), Hartlepool (6th), Doncaster (7th)

Relegated: Aldershot (23rd), Cheltenham (24th)

 

National League

Promoted: AFC Telford (1st), Barrow (5th)

Also in Play-Offs: Kidderminster (2nd), AFC Fylde (3rd), Hampton & Richmond (4th)

Relegated: Harrogate (21st), Forest Green (22nd), Morecambe (23rd), Eastleigh (24th)

 

National League North

Promoted: Nuneaton (1st), Macclesfield (2nd)

Also in Play-Offs: Chester (3rd), FC Halifax (4th), Kettering (5th)

Relegated: Leamington (20th), Brackley (21st), Frickley (22nd)

 

National League South

Promoted: Hemel Hempstead (1st), Oxford City (5th)

Also in Play-Offs: Wealdstone (2nd), Torquay (3rd), Eastbourne Boro (4th)

Relegated: Maidenhead (20th), Margate (21st), Dartford (22nd)

 

Promoted from Regional Leagues

Bognor Regis, Canvey Island, Cirencester, Dorchester, Rushall, Thurrock

 

Domestic Cups

FA Cup: Stoke 3-2 Bournemouth

EFL Cup: Man Utd 3-0 Chelsea

Community Shield: Man Utd 5-1 Huddersfield

EFL Trophy: Liverpool U23s 3-2 Millwall

FA Trophy: AFC Telford 1-1 Gateshead (4-2 penalties)

 

Europe

UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid 1-0 PSG - at Wembley, London

UEFA Europa League: Man City 2-0 Ajax - at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig

UEFA Super Cup: Man Utd 4-1 Chelsea - at Arechi, Salerno

 

Awards

Best Player in Europe: Neymar (Barcelona)

Golden Shoe: Paulo Dybala (Arsenal)

Golden Boy: Albi Brahimi (RB Leipzig)

 

Dutch Eredivisie

Top Three: Ajax (1st), FC Twente (2nd), Vitesse (3rd)

Relegated: De Graafschap (18th)

Promoted from Eerste Divisie: Excelsior

 

French Ligue 1

Top Three: PSG (1st), Marseille (2nd), Monaco (3rd)

Relegated: Metz (18th), Caen (19th), Montpellier (20th)

Promoted from Ligue 2: Stade Reims, Bastia, Tours

 

German Bundesliga

Top Three: FC Bayern (1st), Leverkusen (2nd), RB Leipzig (3rd)

Relegated: Ingolstadt (17th), Nürnberg (18th)

Promoted from 2. Bundesliga: Werder Bremen, 1860 München

 

Italian Serie A

Top Three: Juventus (1st), Milan (2nd), Napoli (3rd)

Relegated: SPAL (18th), Cagliari (19th), Bari (20th)

Promoted from Serie B: Novara, Atalanta, Cesena

 

Portuguese Primeira Liga

Top Three: Porto (1st), Benfica (2nd), Sporting (3rd)

Relegated: Feirense (17th), Tondela (18th)

Promoted from LigaPro: Sertanense, União da Madeira

 

Russian Premier League

Top Three: Zenit (1st), Spartak Moscow (2nd), Krasnodar (3rd)

Relegated: Fakel (15th), SKA Khabarovsk (16th)

Promoted from FNL: Lokomotiv Moscow, Spartak Nalchik

 

Scottish Premiership

Top Three: Celtic (1st), Rangers (2nd), Hearts (3rd)

Relegated: Kilmarnock (11th), Partick Thistle (12th)

Promoted from Championship: St Mirren, St Johnstone

 

Spanish La Liga

Top Three: Real Madrid (1st), Barcelona (2nd), Atlético (3rd)

Relegated: Alavés (18th), Deportivo (19th), Almería (20th)

Promoted from La Liga 2: Levante, Osasuna, Tenerife

 

Global

FIFA Club World Cup: Shanghai SIPG 2-1 Man Utd - at BMO Field, Toronto

 

Awards

Ballon d'Or: 1st - Robert Lewandowski (Man Utd), 2nd - Neymar (Barcelona), 3rd - Eden Hazard (PSG)

FIFA World Player of the Year: 1st - Robert Lewandowski (Man Utd), 2nd - Neymar (Barcelona), 3rd - Paulo Dybala (Arsenal)

World Soccer World Player of the Year: 1st - Robert Lewandowski (Man Utd), 2nd - Neymar (Barcelona), 3rd - Eden Hazard (PSG)

FIFA/FIFPro World XI: Keylor Navas (Real Madrid); Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Jérôme Boateng (FC Bayern), Lucas Digne (Barcelona); Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Kai Havertz (Chelsea); Neymar (Barcelona), Paulo Dybala (Arsenal), Eden Hazard (PSG); Robert Lewandowski (Man Utd)

 

Leading Transfers (not including Premier League)

DATE        NAME                      POSITIONS           FROM            TO              FEE (POTENTIAL)
07/07/2021  Álvaro Morata             ST (C)              Liverpool       Real Madrid     £67M (£91M)
23/07/2021  Julian Weigl              DM, M (C)           Dortmund        FC Bayern       £60M
12/06/2021  Marco Asensio             M/AM (C)            Real Madrid     PSG             £57M
05/01/2022  Carlos José Cabezas       D (C)               Porto           PSG             £57M
05/08/2021  Albi Brahimi              ST (C)              Schalke         RB Leipzig      £50M (£90M)
01/02/2022  Diogo Jota                AM (LC), ST (C)     Porto           PSG             £47M
28/07/2021  Timo Werner               ST (C)              RB Leipzig      FC Bayern       £44M (£59M)
31/08/2021  Moise Kean                AM (L), ST (C)      PSG             Dortmund        £43M (£66M)
05/01/2022  Dursun Kaya               M/AM (L)            Köln            Dortmund        £38.5M
02/08/2021  Serge Gnabry              M (L), AM (LC)      Leverkusen      FC Bayern       £38M

 

[CFuller]

Mark Catterall's England Statistics

 

Team Statistics & Honours

(NOTE: All penalty shoot-out wins and defeats are classified as draws for statistical purposes.)

 

SENIOR TEAM (2016-2022)

Played: 82. Won: 57. Drawn: 14. Lost: 11. Goals For: 176. Goals Against: 55. Win Ratio: 70%.

WINNERS: 2022 FIFA World Cup

RUNNERS-UP: 2020 UEFA European Championship

 

UNDER-21S TEAM (2016-2021)

Played: 59. Won: 43. Drawn: 6. Lost: 10. Goals For: 157. Goals Against: 51. Win Ratio: 73%.

WINNERS: 2019 UEFA European Under-21s Championship

RUNNERS-UP: 2017 UEFA European Under-21s Championship

 

UNDER-20S TEAM (2017-2021)

Played: 15. Won: 8. Drawn: 4. Lost: 3. Goals For: 34. Goals Against: 15. Win Ratio: 53%.

WINNERS: 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup

 

UNDER-19S TEAM (2016-2021)

Played: 68. Won: 50. Drawn: 7. Lost: 11. Goals For: 178. Goals Against: 61. Win Ratio: 74%.

WINNERS: 2020 UEFA European Under-19s Championship

RUNNERS-UP: 2021 UEFA European Under-19s Championship

 

Senior Team Records

Biggest Win: 8-0 vs Gibraltar (30 March 2019).

Biggest Defeat: 0-2 vs Mexico (27 March 2018), 1-3 vs Italy (3 June 2020).

Highest-Scoring Game: 6-2 vs Chile (14 July 2018), 8-0 vs Gibraltar (30 March 2019).

Most Games Won in Row: 10 (30 March to 18 November 2019).

Most Games Lost in Row: 2 (3 June to 9 June 2020).

Most Consecutive Games without Losing: 19 (14 June 2021 to 10 July 2022).

Most Consecutive Games without Winning: 6 (27 March to 21 June 2020).

Most Consecutive Games without Conceding: 8 (14 June to 14 November 2021).

Most Consecutive Games without Scoring: 2 (27 March to 5 June 2018).

 

Highest FIFA World Ranking: 2nd (March 2020).

Lowest FIFA World Ranking: 13th (August 2016).

 

Senior Player Records

Most Caps:

PLAYER                    CAPS
Jordan Henderson          72
Dele Alli                 68
Eric Dier                 66
Harry Kane                66
John Stones               55
Jack Wilshere             51

 

Most Goals:

PLAYER                    GOALS
Harry Kane                39
Daniel Sturridge          24
Callum Wilson             18
Jack Wilshere             13
Rolando Aarons            8
Nathan Redmond            8

 

Fastest Goal: Daniel Sturridge - 41 seconds vs Gibraltar (8 September 2019).

Most Goals in a Match: Callum Wilson - 6 vs Gibraltar (30 March 2019).

Most Goals in a Year: Harry Kane - 10 (2021).

Most Assists in a Year: Nathan Redmond - 5 (2021), Harry Kane - 5 (2022).

Most Man of the Match Awards in a Year: Harry Kane - 3 (2021).

Most Clean Sheets in a Year: Joe Hart - 9 (2018).

 

Youngest Player: Willie Field - 19 years 5 days vs Kazakhstan (25 March 2021).

Oldest Player: Fraser Forster - 34 years 81 days vs Cape Verde (6 June 2022).

Youngest Scorer: Demarai Gray - 20 years 105 days vs Slovakia (11 October 2016).

Oldest Scorer: Jamie Vardy - 32 years 81 days vs Austria (2 April 2019).

[CFuller]

Epilogue

 

Thursday 28 July 2022. Many of the great and good of English football had gathered at Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex to pay their final respects to David Arthur Louis Whiteman. Nearly four weeks after his sudden demise at the age of 78, the erstwhile Football Association chief executive was being laid to rest.

 

FA chairwoman Angela Ruskin and former England manager Mark Catterall attended the traditional Anglican funeral service, as did some members of the FIFA World Cup-winning squad from earlier in the summer.

 

Ruskin gave a eulogy at the service, saying, "It was always a privilege to have known David for any length of time. Whether you were a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, or even one of the very few people who had any reason to dislike him, David was always polite, courteous and informative. He was an old-fashioned English gentleman who always had time for new-fashioned people and ideas.

 

"Football was David's longest-held passion, from the day 70 years ago when his father took him to his first match - Brighton & Hove Albion 2, Port Vale 1, in the Third Division South. He always took a particular liking to Brighton, and later to Tottenham Hotspur, after moving to London as a teenager.

 

"David worked in football administration for many decades at various clubs before moving on to the Football League, the Premier League, and then - for the final 13 years of his life - the FA. In all his numerous roles, he was admired for his intelligence, his work ethic, and his enthusiasm. English football would be a poorer place today without his remarkable contributions."

 

After the service, Catterall sought out the solemn figure of the newly-widowed Daphne Whiteman, to whom David had been married for 54 years. She was accompanied by their three children - Christopher, Jane and Sebastian - along with eight grandchildren, and a four-month-old great-grandchild.

 

"Daphne, I'm so sorry about David," Mark said as he gently shook Daphne's hand.

 

Daphne said, "Thank you very much... Mr Catterall, I presume." Mark nodded, and Daphne continued, "David had so many wonderful things to say about you."

 

"I've got so many good things to say about him as well," Mark replied. "He was a great man, an intelligent man who loved his football and his work."

 

"That was David for you. If he loved something or someone, he loved it with an incredible passion."

 

"It must've been so tough to lose him so suddenly, especially so far away from home."

 

"When David first informed me of his plans for us to visit Morocco, I had some apprehension about it, especially with the weather being so hot and humid over there. We had also not travelled abroad for two decades, but David stressed that - at our age - this was our last opportunity to do so. I do wish I had insisted we stayed at home."

 

"Don't go thinking about 'what ifs', Daphne," Mark said. "Anyway, like Angela said at the service, David died watching what he enjoyed."

 

"That is some consolation," Daphne nodded.

 

Mark later met up with England Under-19s head coach Frank Lampard, who had joined the FA after Catterall's appointment as manager in 2016. Lampard had just returned from the UEFA European Under-19s Championship with Switzerland.

 

"Nice to see you here, Frank," Mark began. "How was Switzerland?"

 

Lampard nodded, "Yeah, we had a good time. Three big wins in the Group Stage... and then we ran into Spain in the Semi Final, which was unfortunate."

 

"That finished 2-2, didn't it?"

 

"It did. We took the lead twice - Oliver Ellis and Stephen Sumner got the goals - but Spain just kept coming back at us. And then, when it came down to penalties... well, we could've done with some of your advice there, Catts."

 

"I heard Sumner missed one of the penalties."

 

"Oh, man, he was devastated at the end," Lampard admitted. After a pause, he then said, "To be honest, Mark, I think it was a shame the FA took you off the Under-19s and Under-21s when they did. You were doing a fine job managing those kids."

 

Catterall sighed, "Maybe it was for the best. Anyway, I may have had my doubts about you earlier in the season, but you've done a fine job so far."

 

"Indeed, you have, Frank," Ruskin said as she joined the conversation. "Keep at it, and then who knows? Maybe you'll be managing the seniors in a few years!"

 

Lampard smiled, "Cheers, Angela. I'd love to have that opportunity one day."

 

Catterall then told Ruskin, "That was a great eulogy, Angela. A lovely tribute to David."

 

Ruskin replied, "It's the least he deserved. David gave so much to English football for so long."

 

"Yeah, he did. Now, I don't mean any disrespect to David, but... how's the search going for a new CEO?"

 

"We'll drawn up a shortlist of five candidates - all from different backgrounds - and we'll be interviewing them over the coming weeks."

 

"And what about the England manager's position? Or are you waiting until the new Chief Executive is in place?"

 

"No, we've already sorted out a new manager."

 

Lampard said, "Blimey, that was quick! Two weeks!"

 

Catterall asked, "So... who's the new man, then?"

 

Ruskin replied, "Nice try, Mark. We'll be announcing him at a press conference at Wembley tomorrow. Until then, we're keeping his identity firmly under wraps."

 

Approximately 24 hours later, the press room at Wembley Stadium was packed to the rafters. Journalists from all over the world had gathered to find out who had been appointed to succeed Catterall as manager of the new world football champions.

 

Ava Leggett - the FA's Director of Communications - began the press conference by stating, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to Wembley this afternoon, especially at such short notice. We are here today to formally announce the appointment of a new manager for the England football team to succeed the great Mark Catterall.

 

"I will now hand you over to Angela Ruskin, who will explain why the FA board have come to the decision they have reached. Thank you."

 

Ruskin then said, "As you can gather, identifying a successor to Mark Catterall wasn't an easy process. Any football association or football club would find it difficult to replace a manager who's delivered them their greatest success.

 

"On the face of it, the appointment we have made today might seem left-field. Then again, you could have said the same about Mark Catterall's appointment six years ago. We at the FA are not afraid to take a chance on a relatively unproven manager if we believe they deserve the opportunity.

 

"Today, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Cook as the new manager of the England senior football team. While we are very aware that Paul has never managed in the Premier League, he has shown in the lower divisions that he can consistently deliver results and entertaining football under the utmost of pressure."

 

As Ruskin continued to read her pre-arranged statement, Cook sat in his seat with a smile as broad as the Cheshire cat's. Though the 55-year-old Liverpudlian was little-known to the wider public, he had earned many admirers in footballing circles for his achievements with a number of lower-league clubs. Most recently, he had coached Burnley back into the Premier League, four years after they were last relegated from the top tier.

 

Back in Burton-upon-Trent, Cook's predecessor Mark Catterall was watching the press conference on TV with his wife Jenny and their son Luke.

 

"I don't think I've heard of Paul Cook," Luke admitted.

 

"Neither have I," Jenny said. She then asked Mark, "What's he done to deserve your job?"

 

Mark said, "He's a good manager who likes to develop young players and play passing football. He's also worked his way up the leagues and taken Burnley back up on a budget."

 

"Yeah, but like Angela Ruskin said, he's never managed any Premier League teams before."

 

"Excuse me! Neither had I before I took the England job..."

 

Luke added, "Yeah, and things turned out fine with Dad."

 

"Exactly. It doesn't matter if you don't have the experience, as long as you've got the right skills for the job. Just give him a chance, Jen."

 

"Fair enough. And I suppose there aren't many English managers in the Premier League these days."

 

Mark sighed, "There aren't. You've got Michael Appleton (Leicester City), Eddie Howe (Stoke City), John Carver (West Ham United), and now Luke Garrard (Huddersfield Town), but that's about it."

 

Luke said, "I don't think any of them would've been good enough to replace you, Dad. Actually, I can't think of many managers who would've been."

 

"I see what you mean, son," Mark admitted. "But we've got a fantastic set-up in place now. Young talents are coming through every year, and we're contending for titles at all levels. I'd like to think I've helped make things that little bit easier for Paul Cook and all future England managers."

 

"So you think we can win the Euros two years from now, Dad?"

 

"Yeah, we've got a chance. I wouldn't have quit if I didn't think we could do it without me around."

 

Jenny then asked, "So... what's next for Mark Catterall now?"

 

Mark put his arms around Jenny's and Luke's shoulders before saying, "First off, I'm gonna spend the holidays with my two favourite people. Then I'll wait for whatever comes up in the job market and see if anything grabs me."

 

Luke asked, "Any ideas about what you'd like to do? Where you'd like to go?"

 

"There are so many options, Luke. I could go to the Premier League, one of the other big European leagues... maybe I'll even cross the pond to America."

 

"America sounds fun," Jenny said. "Canada too, come to think of it."

 

"It does. One thing's for sure, love. I'm not finished with football yet... not by a long way."

[CFuller]

"Some people are on the pitch! They think it's all over! It is now!"

And so we have come to the end of Mark Catterall's England adventure, and to my FM17 story.

I had planned for this to be a long-term story, running for several major tournaments and ideally ending with a 2030 World Cup staged in England. Alas, a few quirks in my save game killed my desire for a lengthy career, not least Spain being awarded hosting rights for both Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. Even so, I feel like winning a World Cup is a fitting way to bow out of the England job.

I later considered continuing this career on FM17, simulating a few more months while I looked for a new job for Mark. I subsequently accepted an offer for him to become manager of Major League Soccer side Toronto FC, who were owned by a Chinese billionaire. However, I quickly lost interest in that new challenge before playing my first match, and so this is - unfortunately - where the save will end.

I might continue Mark's career in a sequel story on a future version of FM, though that won't be for at least a couple of years. I need to find a challenge that 1) intrigues me and 2) suits Catts to the ground. If and when I do, I hope you'll enjoy what's in store.

In the meantime, I will take an indefinite break from posting stories on FMS. I will continue to write FM stories in a different format on my "Fuller FM" blog, where I am currently chronicling a career as Shrewsbury Town manager in a story entitled "Floreat Salopia". You can also find me on Twitter @Fuller_FM (yes, you might remember I once said I would never be on Twitter, but that was a long time ago ).

Before I go, I want to thank you for reading "An Impossible Man" and for providing feedback. If you have any questions about my FM17 save, or indeed the story universe, then feel free to ask away, and I will try to answer them soon.

As Sir Bobby Robson titled his autobiography, this is "Farewell But Not Goodbye".

Christopher Fuller (CFuller)
10 April 2019

[EvilDave]

Chris, this has been a superb read - Hall of Fame material, dare I venture. I've enjoyed the various character arcs, the humour injected all the way through, and yet the poignant moments are exactly that. A great managerial achievement obviously helps - three penalty shoot-out wins on the way to glory is quite something - but I think the bigger triumph there was the way you conveyed the national euphoria. I've thoroughly enjoyed the daily installments of this as it's made its way to the conclusion, and yet the end is a fitting one. Bravo, Mr Fuller!

As to your FMS future, you'll be sorely missed. I've been checking in on your blog and have my fingers crossed Angol can fire you to glory this time round, but this board will be a poorer place for your absence. Be sure to check in and claim your awards later in the year, and I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say you'll always be welcome back - the sooner the better!

[CFuller]

17 minutes ago, EvilDave said:

Chris, this has been a superb read - Hall of Fame material, dare I venture. I've enjoyed the various character arcs, the humour injected all the way through, and yet the poignant moments are exactly that. A great managerial achievement obviously helps - three penalty shoot-out wins on the way to glory is quite something - but I think the bigger triumph there was the way you conveyed the national euphoria. I've thoroughly enjoyed the daily installments of this as it's made its way to the conclusion, and yet the end is a fitting one. Bravo, Mr Fuller!

As to your FMS future, you'll be sorely missed. I've been checking in on your blog and have my fingers crossed Angol can fire you to glory this time round, but this board will be a poorer place for your absence. Be sure to check in and claim your awards later in the year, and I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say you'll always be welcome back - the sooner the better!

Thanks, ED. If the good Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise, you can be sure I'll be at that awards night later in the year!

(And yes, Lee Angol is a goal machine in my Shrewsbury save. He's well on course to become another of my CM/FM icons alongisde the likes of Nicky Reynolds, George Darvill and - after his World Cup winner - Nathan Redmond.)

[mark wilson27]

Chris its been a honour to read this epic story and as ED said this could be a potential HOF entry. We shall find out soon when I put up the voting ballots for the preliminary rounds.

It is a shame that you will leaving the forums for the foreseeable future but I can fully understand the reasons why. I will make sure I drop you an email when the voting comes up if your not here and obviously the date of the main awards ceremony.

I have of course bookmarked your blog page and will be following along there

Anyway Chris hope to see you around soon

Mark

[Drogba11CFC]

We never got to see Clark Gregory go to trial, or the exact details of some of his offences...

[CFuller]

7 hours ago, mark wilson27 said:

Chris its been a honour to read this epic story and as ED said this could be a potential HOF entry. We shall find out soon when I put up the voting ballots for the preliminary rounds.

It is a shame that you will leaving the forums for the foreseeable future but I can fully understand the reasons why. I will make sure I drop you an email when the voting comes up if your not here and obviously the date of the main awards ceremony.

I have of course bookmarked your blog page and will be following along there

Anyway Chris hope to see you around soon

Mark

Thanks, Mark. I'll still be around to read, provide feedback for and vote on other writers' stories; it's just that I won't be posting a great deal on here. I'm honoured to have been a part of this great FMS community for almost five years, and I doubt I will walk away from it completely.

6 hours ago, Drogba11CFC said:

We never got to see Clark Gregory go to trial, or the exact details of some of his offences...

I haven't wrapped up all the loose ends in this story, but they will likely be addressed if there is a sequel in the works. However, I will say that the future does not look particularly promising for Mr Gregory.