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

It was early October 2019, and the autumn winds in England were already quite chilly.

The scandal involving Yan Yuan has also been completely resolved.

A few days ago, Yan Yuan successfully completed the relatively low-intensity EFL Cup match.

Arsenal easily defeated Grimsby 7-0.

After showcasing their formidable attacking prowess with a 6-0 away victory against Scottish giants Celtic in the Champions League group stage, the club's season came to a temporary halt, and the international break opened as scheduled.

The clamor at the Emirates Stadium gradually subsided, but Yan Yuan's journey had just begun to turn to another important battlefield.

St. George's Park, the training ground for the England national team, is filled with a familiar yet slightly fresh atmosphere.

When Yan Yuan arrived by car, his mood was slightly different from usual.

Having experienced Arsenal's glorious unbeaten title win last season, and with his continued hot form at the beginning of this season.

His return to the national team has made him one of the most important core figures in the team and a hot candidate for the Ballon d'Or. The responsibility on his shoulders and the attention from the outside world are now heavier and more intense.

The atmosphere in the locker room was as lively as ever.

Sterling was recounting the interesting stories of the Manchester derby in his distinctive accent.

Rashford and Pickford were discussing the latest shoe styles, while Stones calmly organized his gear. When he saw Yan Yuan enter, he nodded and gave him a gentle smile.

Yan Yuan smiled and nodded to them, and exchanged pleasantries with them.

"Marcus, you seem to be in better shape lately? You must have been working out extra, right?"

"Of course, strict, extra training in every sense of the word."

However, this time, a vibrant and unfamiliar face was added to the team.

"Hey, Yan! Come over and meet our new guy!" Sterling, with his sharp eyes, pulled over a slightly shy young man next to him.

The young man had a few freckles on his face, a cheerful-looking appearance, and was a white lad.

His eyes were clear and full of respect.

It is Mason Mount, Chelsea's rising midfield star this season.

Mount is one year younger than Yan Yuan.

Yan Yuan had encountered him during the league.

Mount appeared during garbage time.

He only ever faced Yan Yuan once on the court.

"Hello, Yan. Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Mason Mount," the young man said, extending his hand excitedly, his tone full of admiration.

"I've always admired your game; your control of the tempo and your vision in passing in the attacking third are simply incredible!"

Yan Yuan looked at this person who was a year younger than him.

His new teammate, who was like a friendly younger brother next door, shook his hand and patted him on the shoulder.

"Welcome to the Three Lions, Mason, just call me Yan. You played very well at Chelsea, especially your reading of the game and your off-the-ball movement, which impressed me. Keep it up, and I hope we can face each other again sometime."

This wasn't just empty flattery. Although Mount didn't get much playing time, Yan Yuan could still tell that Mount had a clear mind.

He believes that for a player like Mount, it's only a matter of time before he makes it big.

Mount blushed slightly upon receiving praise from his idol in person, his excitement evident.

For some reason, Mount always felt incredibly comfortable around Yan Yuan.

"Thank you, Yan, your encouragement means a lot to me! I...I actually...that's right." He hesitated for a moment, as if gathering his courage, and took out a brand new notebook and pen from his backpack.

"I don't know if it's presumptuous of me... but could you please sign my autograph? Actually, I did this when I was at the club, but you know, I was wearing a Chelsea jersey then, so I couldn't... but you know, for me, playing with you is like a dream come true."

A burst of good-natured laughter rang out in the locker room.

Sterling joked.

"Wow, Mason, you've come all the way to the national team's locker room to chase after your idol!"

Henderson laughed and said, "Looks like we have a top fan of Yan here."

Yan Yuan was amused by this unexpected request. He took the notebook and pen, signed his name skillfully, and said humorously.

"Of course, Mason. Here, we are all teammates, brothers fighting side by side. I look forward to seeing your performance on the training field. I believe you will bring new energy to the team."

He added a sentence below his signature.

"To Mason, may we create glory together for the Three Lions! — Your teammate, Yan Yuan."

This little incident made the atmosphere in the locker room even more harmonious.

Yan Yuan has always maintained this gentle and humble attitude.

This instantly bridged the gap between him and his new teammates, and also demonstrated his responsibility as one of the team's core players.

However, the relaxed atmosphere of the gathering was soon disrupted by a discordant piece of news.

Before training began, head coach Gareth Southgate solemnly announced to the entire team:

Captain and top scorer Harry Kane will miss the national team's two European Championship qualifiers due to a minor muscle strain sustained during a club match, as assessed by the medical team.

As soon as the news broke, a chorus of regret and concern arose in the locker room.

"Good heavens, I was wondering why Kane didn't play in the last match against Tottenham. I thought he just had a minor injury that required a few days of rest," Gomez said.

"It's not just a few days, Harry needs at least a week or two to rest. It's just that the timing is too perfect," Dale replied.

"Hopefully Kane is alright. We can't do without him at the forward position; his goals are crucial," Walker commented.

For England, Kane is not only a guarantee of goals, but also the team's spiritual pillar and an important source of firepower.

His absence has undoubtedly cast a shadow over England's qualifying prospects.

Southgate's voice was calm, attempting to reassure the troops, but the struggle between his brows was clearly visible.

"Don't worry too much, Harry's condition isn't serious, but he needs time to recover. For the player's health and long-term considerations, the national team coaching staff has decided to let him stay at the club."

The timing of this injury is indeed somewhat delicate.

Because we are currently in a crucial stage of the European Championship qualifiers, where we need to secure points.

In the ensuing tactical meeting, Southgate stood in front of the huge tactical board, his gaze sweeping over each player before finally settling on Yan Yuan.

"Guys, Harry's absence is a loss, but also an opportunity—a chance to test our squad depth and tactical adaptability." Southgate began his deployment.

"We need someone to step up and fill the void left by Harry's absence, including the lack of attacking organization, the final pass, the shot, and the deep play."

He picked up a marker and started drawing on the tactics board.

"Therefore, we will try some changes this time. Yan," Southgate directly named Yan Yuan.

"I won't put you on your familiar right wing in this match."

Upon hearing this, many team members showed expressions of surprise.

Previously, Yan Yuan mainly played as a right winger for Arsenal and the national team. His ability to cut inside and shoot, his positioning and explosiveness were the team's weapons.

Southgate went on to explain.

"Yan, I'll leave you here," he said, drawing a circle around the front half of his back.

"Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder."

He looked at Yan Yuan, his eyes filled with trust and expectation.

"Yan, I know you're used to playing on the wing, but you've also played in midfield for Arsenal and even in some matches for Hoffenheim, and you've certainly shown top-notch midfield organization and vision."

Your range of movement, defensive intensity, and especially your god-like passing vision are the best solution we can currently offer to compensate for Harry's absence.

I need you to be the engine of our attack, to be England's De Bruyne, to tear apart the opponent's defense with your passing."

Kevin De Bruyne for England

This assessment shows that Southgate indeed had high expectations for Yan Yuan.

The England team has always lacked a player like De Bruyne.

It's not just the England team.

Every national team in the world dreams of having a player like De Bruyne.

The Three Lions never had that opportunity before.

Now, Southgate sees potential in Yan Yuan.

To be honest, Yan Yuan felt a surge of joy the moment he heard the decision.

He certainly enjoys the feeling of running on the wing, but deep down, he also has a strong interest and desire for the midfield core role of controlling the rhythm of the game and organizing the team's attack.

At Arsenal, due to tactical needs and teammate configurations, he appeared more on the wing, but when he occasionally played in midfield, the feeling of strategizing and commanding the game fascinated him just as much.

He prefers to decide a game with passes rather than just goals.

Not to mention that he has now truly mastered incredible passing skills.

"No problem, Coach." Yan Yuan answered without hesitation, his tone firm. "I fully understand and support this decision. I will do my best to adapt to the new position and complete the tasks you have assigned me."

Southgate nodded in satisfaction, then continued to refine the lineup: "Hmm, very good. And up front, Sancho, you move to center forward and use your agility and running ability; Marcus on the left, Sterling on the right."

We need to use speed and overlapping runs to attack the opponent. In midfield, Declan and Henderson, you need to provide solid cover and passing support for Yan.

"Understood, Coach!"

"No problem, coach."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

After the tactical meeting, Southgate kept Yan Yuan behind alone.

The two walked to the open-air balcony outside the office, where the lush grass of the training field could be seen in the distance.

"Yan, how's it going with this new role I've assigned you?" Southgate handed Yan Yuan a bottle of water, his tone casual.

"It feels great, Coach." Yan Yuan took a sip of water and said frankly, "To be honest, I'm a little excited. This is a challenge for me, but it's also a stage to showcase different abilities. I really enjoy the feeling of passing the ball."

"Very good, that's the attitude I wanted," Southgate praised.

"Putting you in this position is not just a tactical necessity, but also an absolute trust in your abilities. You are the player with the best combination of skill and basketball IQ on our team, without exception. No one with better skill has a higher basketball IQ than you."

"Anyone with a higher basketball IQ than you... well, I don't think anyone on our team has a higher basketball IQ than you."

It really doesn't.

Southgate paused, his tone becoming more serious.

"Yan, besides the change in position, there's another decision I need to tell you."

With Harry absent, the captain's responsibilities need to be shared.

After discussion among the coaching staff, the first captain's armband will be given to Kyle Walker, who is experienced and can stabilize the defense. As for the second captain's armband…”

Southgate stared intently at Yan Yuan.

"We've decided to entrust this to you."

Yan Yuan was slightly taken aback.

Although he was already the captain at Arsenal, there were quite a few players in the star-studded England team who were more experienced and just as famous as him.

This decision is undoubtedly a great recognition of his abilities and leadership qualities.

"I want you to take on more than just goals and assists," Southgate continued.

"It is also about commanding the midfield and forward areas. During the game, you need to loudly remind your teammates, direct their runs, and organize pressure as soon as possible when transitioning from offense to defense."

Your vision shouldn't just be used to find passing lanes, but also to understand the overall situation and become the team's "coach" on the field. Can you do that?

Yan Yuan took a deep breath, feeling the heavy weight on his shoulders.

He met Southgate's gaze without flinching, and answered clearly and forcefully.

"No problem at all, Coach. I will take responsibility. Thank you for your trust and that of the coaching staff."

"Great!" Southgate patted Yan Yuan on the shoulder forcefully. "Go, in your new role and armband, lead the team to victory, and show everyone that we are still strong without Harry!"

When Gareth Southgate officially announced Kyle Walker as the first captain and Yan Yuan as the second captain before the next team practice.

The locker room fell silent for a moment, then a small commotion broke out.

Almost all the team members were surprised at first, and their eyes were all focused on Yan Yuan.

A 19-year-old vice-captain is probably extremely rare in the history of the Three Lions.

But this surprise lasted only a short time.

Yan Yuan was greeted with applause and cheers.

"Wow!!!!!! Let's give Yan a round of applause!!!" This shout came from Maguire.

"Well done, Captain!!!" That was Rice's shout.

Kyle Walker was the first to step forward, extending his large hand and smiling warmly, "Congratulations, Yan! I'll have to help you out more in the future!"

Henderson also came over.

The Liverpool captain and an important member of the England team patted Yan Yuan on the shoulder forcefully.

"Good job, kid! You absolutely deserve this armband! Keep it up!"

Sterling playfully made a "salute" gesture: "Captain! At your service!"

Even the newcomer Mount cast a look of genuine admiration upon him.

The response was surprisingly smooth.

Upon closer reflection, it makes perfect sense.

Despite his youth, Yan Yuan's talent and accolades speak for themselves: FIFA World Player of the Year, Premier League MVP, captain of the unbeaten season, and a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or...

This string of titles and achievements is enough to convince anyone.

This is Yan Yuan's second year with the England national team.

He had already won over this group of people.

His performance on the field, his self-discipline off the field, and his sense of responsibility in crucial moments have earned him the respect of everyone in the locker room.

While seniority is important, age no longer seems to be an insurmountable obstacle in the face of absolute strength and contribution.

Seeing his teammates' sincere smiles and congratulations, Southgate's last bit of uncertainty vanished.

Yan Yuan's good interpersonal relationships put Southgate at ease.

"Thanks, guys. I'll have to rely on you guys from now on. I'll give you my best tips," Yan Yuan replied with a smile.

New position, new responsibilities, new challenges.

For Yan Yuan and the Three Lions, the journey in the European Championship qualifiers has begun a new chapter.

And this 19-year-old vice-captain has already stood in the center of the stage, ready to lead the team forward in his own way.