After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

Rewind to a few days ago, Yan Yuan's bloody battle at the Bernabéu and his subsequent near-miss at the hospital captivated countless hearts.

Besides his parents who stayed by his side day and night, Nagelsmann who treated him like a son, and Professor Wenger who was closely watching his future, there was also a coach far away in England who was also very worried about his injury.

England national team manager Gareth Southgate.

Since Yan Yuan officially received the call-up notice from the England senior national team, his name has been firmly written into Gareth Southgate's core list for the preparations for the Russia World Cup.

Gareth Southgate's appreciation and expectations for this young Chinese talent are no less than those of any top European club manager.

Yan Yuan's speed, technique, composure under pressure, and killer instinct in crucial moments, as demonstrated in the Champions League, are key pieces that Southgate is using to inject vitality into the Three Lions' attack and seek breakthroughs.

However, the second leg at the Bernabéu was a thrilling affair.

Yan Yuan, his face covered in blood, his right leg severely injured, and finally collapsed from exhaustion, was like a bucket of ice water poured over Southgate's burning heart.

There are less than two weeks left until the final World Cup squad is announced!

Any injury, especially those involving the head and legs, could completely shatter a player's World Cup dream and disrupt Southgate's carefully crafted tactical blueprint.

During those days, Southgate's phone calls became frequent visitors to Yan Yuan's hospital bedside.

Unlike the concerns of club coaches, Southgate's inquiry carried the unique sense of urgency of a national team coach, a mixture of anxiety and pragmatic pragmatism.

"Yan, how are you feeling? Are you still dizzy? Have you received the detailed diagnosis report for your leg? What did the doctor say? Are there any ligaments or bones injured? How soon can you resume ball training? Will you be able to make it to the pre-World Cup training camp?"

On the phone, Southgate's voice sounded lower and more urgent than usual, and every question went straight to the heart of the matter, revealing the immense pressure he was under.

Yan Yuan listened to the undisguised worry of the head coach on the other end of the phone, feeling both moved and guilty.

He answered in the clearest and most certain tone possible:

"Coach, please don't worry. The doctor has checked repeatedly; it's just a superficial head injury, and it will be fine after stitches."

My right leg had a muscle contusion and subcutaneous bleeding, but it's all healed now, and the bones and ligaments are fine!

Training is absolutely no problem! I guarantee I'll make it to the national team's training camp! I definitely won't miss the World Cup!

Southgate was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, seemingly processing the good news, before letting out a long sigh of relief, the tension in his voice visibly relaxing.

"Thank God! Hearing you say that, I can finally get a good night's sleep." But his tone immediately turned serious again:

"Yan, listen, this is a lesson to be learned."

I understand your desire to win; that fighting spirit is a quality of top players.

But, kid, it's almost the end of the season, and the World Cup is just around the corner!

Your body isn't just yours; it's related to the entire national team's plans and the expectations of countless England fans!

Promise me, absolutely not until you're fully recovered!

Absolutely! Do not take any more risks! Protect yourself! I need you in Russia in perfect health and at 100% condition! Understand?

Southgate's words were weighty and meaningful.

Yan Yuan gripped the phone, nodding vigorously as if the other person could see him: "I understand! Coach! I promise! I will protect myself and recover as quickly as possible! I will never let you worry again!"

Southgate's worries were temporarily put aside, while Hoffenheim's performance in the league drew attention from the entire German football world.

The defeat at the Bernabéu did not break this young team; instead, it tempered them like steel, making them more resilient and sharp.

During Yan Yuan's temporary absence due to injury and exam preparation, Hoffenheim's players, under Nagelsmann's command, displayed astonishing fighting power.

Gnabry was more active on the wing, and his speed and dribbling became a weapon to tear apart the opponent's defense.

Grillitsch demonstrated stronger playmaking ability and coverage in midfield.

De Jong's orchestration has become increasingly composed and experienced. Maguire's defensive line is rock solid.

Uth also made several contributions as a striker.

The team operated smoothly and displayed high morale, exhibiting the qualities of a mature and strong team.

They won their matches in the league one after another.

On the league table, Hoffenheim's name in red is soaring like a rocket!

They tenaciously kept the points tally close, and then, after a crucial battle in the penultimate round of the league, their points miraculously...

They've overtaken Bayern Munich!

Although they were only leading by one point.

And there are still two rounds left in the league.

But this slim one-point advantage is like a ton of bricks for Hoffenheim, a small team from Sinsheim!

This is a height they have never reached in the history of their team!

The entire town of Sinsheim erupted in wild celebration! Bundesliga media exclaimed:

"The Hoffenheim miracle is unfolding!"

"Nagelsmann's team is making history!"

The Bundesliga champions' salad bowl has never come so close to this former "country club"!

Although Yan Yuan was physically off the field, his heart was always with the team.

He is undergoing rehabilitation training, strictly following the medical plan for ice packs, physical therapy, and low-intensity strength training, and the bruising and swelling on his right thigh have completely subsided.

On the other hand, he completely immersed himself in books.

In mid-May, the German university entrance exams arrived as scheduled.

This is another important battlefield in Yan Yuan's life.

Early in the morning, Nagelsmann personally drove to Yan Yuan's residence to pick him up.

Today, Nash was not wearing a suit, but instead changed into casual clothes, which made him look much more relaxed.

"How are you feeling? Nervous?" Nagelsmann asked, glancing at Yan Yuan in the back seat through the rearview mirror as he drove.

Yan Yuan was holding a transparent file bag in his arms, which contained his admission ticket and stationery.

"It's alright, Coach." Yan Yuan smiled, his eyes calm. "I've reviewed everything I needed to, and I've done my best."

Nagelsmann nodded:

"That's right, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Remember, this is just a test, like any other game you've ever played. Just play to your usual standard, and I believe in you.

The car came to a smooth stop outside the examination hall.

A number of candidates and parents had already gathered at the entrance of the examination hall, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense.

Nagelsmann didn't get out of the car to attract attention; he simply bumped fists with Yan Yuan.

"Good luck, kid! I'll treat you to a big meal after the exam!"

Yan Yuan nodded vigorously: "Thank you, Coach! Wait for my good news!" He took a deep breath, opened the car door, and joined the flow of examinees.

The atmosphere inside the examination room was quiet.

Yan Yuan found his seat and spread out his exam paper.

The scratching sound of the pen tip gliding across the paper became the main theme.

He focused intently, drawing upon all the knowledge he had accumulated over the past year during training breaks, travel, and quiet moments at night.

Mathematical logical deduction, reading comprehension of German articles, and analysis of the context of historical events...

He tackled the problem calmly and with a clear thought process.

Thanks to his usual self-discipline and hard work, as well as the review time that Nagelsmann specially arranged for him to adjust the training plan, the questions on the test paper did not feel unfamiliar or difficult to him.

He tackled the questions one by one at his own pace.

When the bell rang to signal the end of the last exam, Yan Yuan put down his pen and let out a long sigh of relief.

Stepping out of the examination hall, the early summer sun was a bit dazzling.

He narrowed his eyes, a relaxed smile appearing on his face.

I feel pretty good; I think I haven't let myself down or disappointed my coach's expectations.

The day after the exams ended, the world's football attention began to focus on the upcoming World Cup in Russia.

The participating teams from various countries have successively announced their final 23-person rosters.

Around noon, Yan Yuan had just finished his morning recovery training and was having lunch with his teammates in the restaurant.

The phone notifications popped up like crazy, like a pot exploding.

England's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia has been officially announced.

Yan Yuan's heart skipped a beat! He almost held his breath as he opened the FA website.

List arranged by position:

Goalkeepers: Pickford (Everton), Butland (Stoke City), Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Ashley Young (Manchester United), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), John Jones (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Henderson (Liverpool), Dier (Tottenham), Alli (Tottenham), Lingard (Manchester United), Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Delph (Manchester City), Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Yan Yuan (Hoffenheim)

Yan Yuan's name is prominently listed in the attacking midfielder/winger position, following Sterling and Rashford.

At first glance, it seems a bit abrupt, because all the players on the roster come from the Premier League or Championship, except for Yan Yuan, who comes from the Bundesliga.

What's even more eye-catching is the jersey number after his name.

It's still number 17.

This number is not a traditional core number in the England team (such as 7, 9, 10).

But it was the jersey number that made Yan Yuan famous in the match against Hoffenheim!

By bestowing this number upon him, Southgate's decision is undoubtedly a recognition of his abilities and a respect for and continuation of his personal identity.

"Yes!" Yan Yuan clenched his fist tightly and cheered softly! A huge joy instantly filled his chest!

The World Cup! Number 17! The Three Lions! It all really happened!

The news swept the globe like a whirlwind. England fans' social media exploded instantly:

"Yan!!! We've finally waited for this! Our nuclear weapons!"

"Number 17! Fantastic! Looking forward to him tearing apart the opponent's defense on the wing!"

"Speed, technique, goals! His partnership with Sterling on the wings—it's exhilarating!"

"Southgate finally did something right; bringing this young man along was absolutely the right decision!"

In China, the reaction from fans was much more complex. Official media and mainstream fan communities mostly offered their congratulations.

Congratulations to Yan Shen on being selected for England's World Cup squad! Well deserved!

"Although it's a pity we can't see him play for the national team, we respect Yan Shen's choice."

"Go for it, Yan Shen! My favorite teams in 2018 include England."

"Brother, do your best in the World Cup. Be more careful this time and don't worry us again!"

Of course, there were also some unavoidable voices of disappointment:

"Sigh, such a strong winger, if only we could bring him back from the naturalization program..."

"In the end, I still chose to play for England... My feelings are complicated."

"I understand. After all, I grew up in England and the football system there is the same. The current level of the national team... really is a waste of talent."

More often, rational and supportive voices prevailed.

"Forget about planning or anything like that. Let's respect reality. It's a good thing that Yan Yuan can showcase the strength of Chinese players on the top stage!"

"Go World Cup! Yan Shen, we're looking forward to your goal!"

Looking at the overwhelming news and numerous comments online, Yan Yuan was filled with mixed emotions.

There is the excitement of a dream come true, the glory of wearing the Three Lions jersey, and the complex and profound feelings for the land of one's bloodline.

He was clear about the path he had chosen and understood the expectations he carried on his shoulders.

He quietly saved the screenshot of the FA's published list, especially looking at his own name and number 17 jersey.

Then, he turned off his phone and walked towards the training field.

The World Cup stage is just around the corner, but right now, there are even more important battles waiting for him and his Hoffenheim.

The last two Bundesliga matches,

And the German Cup final at the Berlin Olympic Stadium!

The Champions League title is beyond saving.

But next, he and his teammates are determined to win the Salad Platter and the German Cup!