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

Another training day.

On the England team's training ground, the feeling of defeat gradually dissipated, and the somber atmosphere was being replaced by a new day of focused and intense training.

The players were doing recovery training or jogging in small groups.

Yan Yuan stood on the sidelines, taking a deep breath, his hand tightly clutching the tactical analysis notebook that recorded the results of his thinking throughout the night.

His gaze swept across the training field and quickly locked onto Southgate.

Gareth Southgate stood with his arms crossed, watching the ongoing warm-up drills with the ball, his brow slightly furrowed, clearly pondering the previous defeat and his next strategy.

Yan Yuan walked over.

"Good morning, Coach." His voice broke Southgate's reverie.

Southgate turned around and saw Yan Yuan. A gentle but slightly tired smile appeared on his face.

"Yan, good morning. How are you feeling? Oh, by the way, taking you out yesterday was just a tactical adjustment, don't worry about it."

This is Gareth Southgate's habit; he says this to every player he substitutes.

Unfortunately, every player on the England team has a strong sense of self-esteem, even to the point of being arrogant.

Southgate certainly understood it that way.

"Thank you, sir. I understand." Yan Yuan nodded and got straight to the point, handing over the notebook he was holding.

"Well... Regarding yesterday's game, I went back and carefully reviewed the video and data, combined with my feelings on the court, and made some analysis and summaries."

I think... the problems mainly focus on a few aspects, and I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Yan Yuan's tone was very tactful, lacking the arrogance often seen in star players; it was a very simple and unpretentious way of discussing the issue.

A flicker of surprise crossed Southgate's eyes. He raised an eyebrow and took the heavy notebook.

"Oh? An analysis and summary? Okay, let me take a look."

He opened Yan Yuan's notebook.

Yan Yuan immediately got into the zone, pointing to the key points he had marked in his notes, and clearly explained the core issues he had observed the previous night:

"Coach, it's like this, the first thing I noticed was the midfield."

Belgium's De Bruyne, Witsel, and Fellaini, along with the forward runs of Hazard and Januzaj, offer a well-rounded technical team with wide coverage and excellent teamwork...

Then, Alli and Dier made very active runs, but when they had the ball, under pressure from the opposing technical midfielders, their ability to turn and break free... and advance forward... was lacking.

Yan Yuan spoke eloquently, saying nothing else but describing the phenomenon and its impact on the competition.

"Then, it's about the efficiency difference in the transition between offense and defense."

Then, Yan Yuan's tone became more patient as he pointed to the "little figure" he had drawn in his notebook.

"Look, this is footage of Januzaj before he scored the goal."

The moment Meunier intercepted the ball, our midfielders failed to immediately cover the area in front of Januzaj, the designated receiving point. Dier rushed in too hastily, and Henderson's positioning was drawn away by Fellaini... and this gap was created in the instant of the interception. After gaining possession, they often passed the ball around in one or two touches... In contrast, we...

Southgate listened patiently, but his brow furrowed more and more deeply.

Yan Yuan turned to another page.

"This was one of our successful counter-pressing plays in the second half, we were in a very good position... This huge difference in rhythm caused a serious disconnect between our front and back lines... I could barely touch the ball on the right wing..."

Every word Yan Yuan uttered and every judgment he made was based on clear observations and data, making it highly persuasive.

As Southgate listened, his initial surprise quickly turned into focus, his brow furrowing at times and relaxing thoughtfully at others.

He kept flipping through Yan Yuan's notes, which contained not only textual analysis.

Furthermore, different colored pens were used to mark the routes of offensive and defensive transitions, key mistakes, and comparisons of the positions of both sides on the simplified tactical map.

These analytical perspectives are precise and hit the nail on the head.

This is hardly something an 18-year-old player, especially one who just started in his World Cup match, could accomplish.

This is especially true for advanced tactical aspects that heavily rely on experience and game reading ability, such as the rhythm of attack and defense transitions, midfield coverage, and immediate defensive strategies after losing possession.

After Yan Yuan finished explaining the core points, he sincerely added a sentence.

"Of course, Coach, as a winger, I still need to do better in terms of the depth and intensity of my pressing and tracking back in the attacking third, as well as the possibility of trying other ways to receive the ball when I'm marked tightly."

This is Yan Yuan's reflection on his own performance.

Southgate was silent for a few seconds, then closed his notebook and gave Yan Yuan a deep look.

There was surprise and disbelief in his eyes, but more than anything, there was a heartfelt joy.

"Yan..." Southgate's voice was gentle yet powerful.

"I must say, this analysis," he said, waving the notebook in his hand,

"Absolutely outstanding. This isn't just a simple replay review; you've grasped the key moments of the game, especially your insight into the differences in the pace of offensive and defensive transitions."

Southgate is still processing this shock.

"No wonder you were able to win two Golden Boots in the Bundesliga. Now I really understand that it wasn't just luck, and it wasn't entirely due to talent."

Your observational skills, learning ability, and especially your depth of understanding of the game and your ability to think proactively and summarize your experiences are invaluable.

Frankly, I was very shocked; this is more valuable for a player than mere speed or technique.

Southgate's words were direct and without deliberate praise; they were a seasoned coach's genuine assessment of the value of a rough gem.

This sense of recognition brought Yan Yuan a warm feeling of being understood and an uplifting sense of encouragement.

"You flatter me, sir. I just think we need to find out why we lost, especially against a strong team like Belgium," Yan Yuan replied.

"Your findings are very important. Last night, the coaching staff and I reviewed the game, and your assessment is highly consistent with our initial internal evaluation." Southgate's tone became serious.

"Yan, the midfield function and the efficiency of transitions you just mentioned are pain points, and this is indeed one of the key gaps between us and top teams."

Southgate gestured for Yan Yuan to stroll slowly along the edge of the training field with him, discussing their next steps for adjustment as they walked.

"We definitely need to make some minor adjustments for the upcoming match against Panama," Southgate said in a low voice, beginning to share his thoughts.

"On the one hand, we'll consider having Alli drop back a bit, giving him more responsibility for connecting and playing the ball forward, to see if that can improve the organization; on the other hand..."

He stopped and looked intently at Yan Yuan:

"In the future, when dealing with the right flank, I will give you a little more personal freedom regarding your position while emphasizing tactical discipline."

"Personal freedom?" Yan Yuan was slightly taken aback.

"Yes," Southgate nodded.

"But this doesn't mean you should break away from the system and go it alone. It's an encouragement, when you feel too much defensive pressure when you have the ball on the right wing, or when the midfield is being pressured by the opponent and it's difficult for them to pass the ball to you smoothly."

You can be more flexible in choosing to tuck inside to support the middle, or form more active combinations with the full-backs behind you, or even try to drop deeper to the midfield line to actively support your teammates.

I believe your football intelligence and ball control skills can alleviate some of the pressure on the midfield when it's under pressure, making you a local passing option or a lubricant. This is a supplement and flexibility to our tactics.

What do you think? Strict?

Southgate's thinking is very clear, and he also recognizes the shortcomings in England's midfield configuration, which certainly cannot be changed in the short term.

But he has faith in Yan Yuan's football intelligence and ball-handling ability.

Southgate is willing to make localized adjustments to compensate for overall deficiencies.

He wanted to use Yan Yuan as a glue and a variation.

Yan Yuan's eyes lit up.

"Thank you very much for your trust, sir! I fully understand your intentions. I will strive to contribute more to the team's offensive flow by running and receiving passes more actively, while maintaining the overall formation."

Yan Yuan's answer was down-to-earth and full of enthusiasm.

The coach not only acknowledged his analysis but also made specific adjustments based on it, giving him the space and trust to implement those adjustments.

For an 18-year-old newcomer, this is more important than any encouragement.

"Alright, Yan." Southgate patted Yan Yuan on the shoulder, his tone more relaxed.

"Go train, and remember, continue to maintain this habit of thinking; it will be your core competency."

After speaking, Southgate solemnly handed the notebook back to Yan Yuan.

The tone of the training sessions subtly shifted on the following training days.

The team has intensified its practice of quick one-touch passing and transitions between attack and defense in the midfield and forward areas. Southgate also intentionally assigned Alli more of the role of linking up play in the attacking midfield during the group scrimmage.

Yan Yuan, on the other hand, began to consciously practice the "freedom" granted by Southgate.

During the afternoon's specialized shooting practice session, teammates took turns receiving the ball and shooting from different positions in the penalty area.

Yan Yuan was in great form today, with several powerful and tricky shots that drew cheers from the crowd.

However, when he saw captain Kane receive a half-high ball near the penalty spot, he gently pushed the ball with the instep of his right foot.

The ball traced an extremely strange arc, spinning into the far corner of the goal.

Yan Yuan was once again impressed by Kane's indescribable shooting skills.

That's not violent aesthetics; it's the ultimate in precision and ingenuity.

During a break in training, Yan Yuan saw Kane drinking water on the sidelines.

He walked over with his water bottle, filled with respect for the world-class shooting captain and a thirst for knowledge.

"Captain," Yan Yuan's voice carried just the right amount of respect and a hint of seeking advice.

Excuse me, how did you manage that shot just now, that curve? It felt like you controlled the instep so precisely.

And... when you drop back to receive the ball in the attacking third to organize an attack, you always seem so composed, as if you have eyes in the back of your head and know the positions of your teammates.

Are there any tips or tricks for this?

Kane turned around with some surprise and saw the rising star of the team, a player who trained extremely hard.

It must be said that Kane greatly admired Yan Yuan's attitude: humble, focused, and full of desire to improve himself.

Yan Yuan initially gave Kane the impression of being a "good kid".

Kane wiped his sweat and flashed his signature gentle smile:

"Ha, that curve? Hmm... Relax your ankle, and don't think about generating power at the moment of contact. Just like 'scooping' the ball and letting it spin on its own. The key is to coordinate the point of contact, the direction of the force, and your body posture..."

Kane showed no intention of holding back and immediately began to explain with great enthusiasm.

He not only explained the footwork details of that specific curved shot, but also shared his shooting experience accumulated over the years in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

"Especially in those fractions of a second before you get the ball, you have to glance at the goalkeeper's position out of the corner of your eye. Is he going to cover the near post? Or is he in the center? Or is he slightly off to one side? This determines whether you shoot at the near post, the far post, or through the legs, or to trick him into losing his balance."

"At the edge of the penalty area, a quick, low shot to the far corner is a very cost-effective option... If a half-high ball is difficult to handle... it depends on your positioning and the goalkeeper's positioning. Sometimes you can volley it, and sometimes you can use the instep of your foot to add some spin, like you did before..."

Kane emphasizes choosing the best technique based on the situation, rather than a one-size-fits-all shooting trick.

Yan Yuan was listening attentively and giving feedback.

Next, Kane put even more effort into sharing his insights on the "retreat organization" point.

That's Kane's signature move.

"Yan, retreating isn't just about running back; the key is to know what you want before you retreat..."

Is your movement a screen for the advancing full-back? Or... while you're running, you need to lift your head, even look back ahead to see where the opening is... your positioning is creating passing lanes for your teammates, and also setting up the receiving point for the next moment...

You need to have a map of the field in your mind, know roughly where your key teammates are operating... The purpose of dropping back is not to wait for the ball... but to allow the ball to pass...

Kane emphasized the core concepts of "anticipation," "space creation," and "organizing the ball's trajectory."

The contents are very dry, extremely dry, without a trace of moisture.

Yan Yuan listened with great eagerness, each word like opening a new door to knowledge.

He nodded repeatedly, asking for details from time to time.

Kane became more and more engrossed in his storytelling, feeling as if he had found a kindred spirit who was willing to listen attentively and truly understand the intricacies of the matter.

Yan Yuan let Kane experience being a "master".

Kane explained everything from basic footwork techniques to using body feints to create shooting angles, and how to remain calm and choose the most reasonable way to finish the shot under high-pressure defense.

What benefited Yan Yuan even more was Kane's profound understanding of the role of a target man in the attacking third.

For example, how to use your body to shield the ball when receiving it with your back to the goal, how to pass the ball to the opponent's center-backs, and how to use your retreat to draw the opponent's center-backs away from the defensive line and create space for the attackers behind you.

This knowledge goes far beyond the skills themselves; it is the culmination of the wisdom and experience of top strikers.

The conversation between the two lasted for nearly twenty minutes.

Kane only stopped training reluctantly when the other players called out to him from a distance to continue.

"Practice hard, Yan. Your talent and attitude are both excellent. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask when you have time."

Kane gave Yan Yuan a final word of encouragement, patting him firmly on the shoulder.

"Thank you so much, Captain! This was really invaluable!"

Yan Yuan was sincerely grateful, and he planned to repeatedly study and put into practice everything Kane had taught him.

Just as Kane turned and walked toward the training field,

The system's voice echoed in Yan Yuan's mind again.

[The host's interaction level with player Harry Kane has reached 100%, gaining the attribute: Shooting, attribute rating S+, skill compatibility: 94%.]

"Shooting attribute?! And it's S+ level?!"

Yan Yuan stood frozen in place.

I was a little stunned.

It's not easy, really not easy. The system is copying more skills than other skills.

From the moment Yan Yuan acquired the system, he gained skills such as vision, positioning, shooting, and heading, but in terms of attributes, aside from the ones he initially obtained from Di Maria and Verratti,

Kane's shooting attribute is the third attribute he successfully copied.

The moment the system voice disappeared, Yan Yuan felt the whole world go silent for a moment.

Yan Yuan suddenly looked at the tall figure who was resuming group sparring training – Captain Harry Kane.

The essence of what the captain had just taught him was still vividly playing in Yan Yuan's mind.

Every movement, every subtle feeling of touching the ball, seems within reach.

"Let's do it!" Yan Yuan said without the slightest hesitation.

He asked the assistant coach if he could practice shooting extra today.

Then, Yan Yuan brought over a large basket of training balls and strode towards the center of the open field, the area directly opposite the goal.

This feeling of shooting.

Yan Yuan needed to sense it immediately.

We need to seize it immediately.

Then, rhythmic shots could be heard from the training field.

Sometimes it's a "whoosh" sound.

Sometimes it makes a "bang" sound.

Shoot, retrieve the ball, shoot again, adjust the shooting distance, continue shooting, retrieve the ball, adjust the shooting angle, shoot...

From the edge of the penalty area, to the sides of the six-yard box, to the tricky flanks...

Yan Yuan was like a fanatical craftsman, repeatedly hammering and refining the newly acquired weapon.

As the sun slowly sank in the west, the fiery red sunset painted the entire training ground with a beautiful hue.

The lights on the sidelines came on silently, casting long white shadows on the green field as dusk deepened.

Yan Yuan had lost count of how many shots he had taken today.

The assistant coach was getting tired from helping him retrieve the balls.

The teammates said goodbye to Yan Yuan one by one and went back to rest.

Yan Yuan also told the teaching assistant to go back first.

"Mr. Steve, thank you for your hard work today. It's really been a lot of trouble for you."

"It's alright, Yan. Gareth told me that you've practiced enough shooting today. This is the last shot. Go back and rest after you're done. You can't do any more extra practice."

"Yes, sir."

This is the last ball.

Yan Yuan slowly placed the ball slightly to the right of the penalty area line.

Sweat had soaked his socks and made them stick to his calves, and his breathing was exceptionally clear on the field.

Maguire and Vardy appeared to be waiting for him in the distance, but neither of them came over to bother him.

Yan Yuan took a running start, leaned his body, and precisely placed his supporting foot on the grass.

He suddenly rubbed the inside of his right foot out!

The entire movement was smooth, coordinated, and executed in one go.

The ball soared into the air, carrying with it all of Yan Yuan's fatigue, excitement, and longing from the day.

The ball's trajectory was beautiful, and its spin was intense.

The ball traveled the final stretch of distance, then plummeted in a sharp and beautiful descent.

With a "whoosh," it clearly rubbed against the corner where the bottom of the crossbeam and the inside of the post met, and in the most tricky and unsolvable way, it crashed into the net in the absolute dead corner!

"Yes!!! Well done, Yan!!!" Maguire's cheers came from the sidelines.

"Well done, kid!!" That was Vardy's voice.

Yan Yuan retrieved the last ball, put it in the basket, and ran towards Maguire and Vardy.

"I'm so sorry, Harry, Jamie, for keeping you waiting." Yan Yuan apologized to the two who had been waiting for a long time.

"There's nothing to apologize for. We're teammates. Let's go," Vardy said with a smile.

"Yan, I have to say, your shot just now was really different. It was quite different from the shot I saw you take in Hoffenheim."

Maguire, Yan Yuan, and Vardy returned side by side.