(A/n: Here is your Powerstone Bonus Chapter. Also I have decided to edit the first dozen chapter to clear all the inconsistencies and chinese shit. So expect less chapter next week.
Guys the view on this story is going down. (TT^TT). Even on the day I post it remains only 2k to 3k. Earlier, it used to be between 20k to 30k. Does anyone knows the reason why?)
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It was another training day, and today's intense training was nearing its end. Players walked in group of twos and threes towards the locker room, their tired but satisfied voices echoing in the empty field. Oliver was lowering his head, organizing his cleats and training vest, preparing to pack up and leave.
Just then, Assistant Coach Kramer, holding a tablet, rushed towards Nagelsmann, who was writing something in a notebook by the sideline. Kramer's steps were hurried, even with a slight jog.
Kramer's expression was a bit unusual, both excited and solemn. He quickly whispered a few words into Nagelsmann's ear, while handing over the tablet. Nagelsmann looked up, his gaze shifting from his notebook to the tablet screen. His eyes quickly scanned the content on the screen, and his originally thoughtful brow first furrowed slightly.Then, an irrepressible smile of surprise and admiration bloomed at the corner of his mouth, and his eyes instantly lit up.
"Oliver!" Nagelsmann's voice rang out loud and clear, cutting through the commotion on the field, carrying an undeniable tone of summons, directly calling out to his disciple who was about to leave. Oliver stopped in his tracks at the sound, turned around, and looked at the Coach with some confusion. He still didn't know what had happened.
"Is there a problem, Coach?"
Nagelsmann, holding the tablet, strode over to Oliver. He didn't say much, just handed the tablet directly to Oliver with a clear smile on his face, his tone solemn and full of affirmation:
"Look at this, kid! This is what you deserve!"
Oliver looked down at the tablet in his hand. The screen displayed an open email, with the prominent Football Association emblem at the top of the email.
The email's subject was clearly written in bold font:
[Official Notification: Oliver Selected for England National Team Squad]
He held his breath, his fingers slightly stiff as he scrolled down to read the body of the email:
[Sender: England Team Management - Player Recruitment Department
Sent Time: April 25, 2018
To: Mr. Oliver Thorne
Mr. Gareth Southgate, Coach of the England National Team, on behalf of the Football Association, formally notifies you.
You have been called up to the latest England Senior Men's National Team squad.
Reason for Call-up: Preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup training camps and warm-up matches to be held in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018.
This period's training and match schedule:
Reporting Time: May 24, 2018 (Thursday) 13:00 PM
Reporting Location: St. George's Park National Football Centre, Burton, England
Subsequent Warm-up Match Schedule (for reference only, final arrangements may be adjusted):
Contact Person: For any questions or assistance, please contact the Assistant Team Director and Team Affairs Officer: xxx
Important Notes:
1. Please ensure that within 48 hours of receiving this notification, you reply with a confirmation letter via the designated system (confirmation link has been sent with this email) to confirm your ability to report on time.
2. Detailed itinerary, Precautions, and requirements will be delivered later through the team's official system and your team liaison officer.
3. Please maintain good health before reporting for training and promptly inform the team's medical staff of any injuries or illnesses. The team doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical examination upon your arrival.
This call-up is a recognition of your consistently outstanding performance for your club and in Europe this season.
Your demonstrated technical ability, tactical acumen, game attitude, and the vitality you bring to the team are highly consistent with Coach Southgate's philosophy for building the National Team.
We firmly believe your abilities will continue to shine at the National Team level, and we have high hopes for your contribution to the team's journey in the upcoming World Cup.
Congratulations on your selection! We look forward to seeing your performance at St. George's Park and fighting together for the glory of the Three Lions!
Sincerely,
Football Association - Men's Team Management]
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Looking at the formal and weighty words on the screen, especially the prominent "2018 FIFA World Cup," Oliver felt his heart suddenly clench, then swell with immense joy! A hot current instantly surged through his body, and his cheeks uncontrollably flushed. He repeatedly scanned the email content, as if he couldn't believe his eyes.
Selected for the England National Team? And directly called up to the senior team?! And preparing for the 2018 World Cup?!
"Coach... I... This... Is this real?" He looked up, his voice slightly trembling with excitement, his eyes shining with disbelief and immense joy.
"Of course it's real!" Nagelsmann laughed, patting Oliver's shoulder hard, his eyes full of pride for his beloved disciple's achievement, "Look at this email! An official document! From the Football Association! This is what you earned with a season of sweat, goals, assists, and your performances against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid in the Champions League! It's what you deserve! Congratulations, Ollie! You are an England international now!"
Immense joy exploded in Oliver's heart. This was even more exciting than the moment he scored against Real Madrid! The World Cup, that was the ultimate dream stage for all young footballers! Its not "just 5-6 games", it defines career of players.
He grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth, his smile incredibly bright: "Thank you, Coach! Thank you so much, Coach! I will continue to work hard!"
As he spoke, he couldn't help but give Nagelsmann a firm hug.
"Ouch... Hahaha... You're getting stronger, kid..." Nagelsmann was given a solid hug by his beloved disciple.
Hearing the commotion, the surrounding teammates also gathered around, and after learning the news, they all congratulated Oliver. De Jong smiled and playfully punched Oliver, Maguire rubbed Oliver's hair with his massive hand, and Grillitsch and Gnabry even happily shouted for Oliver to treat them. The atmosphere on the training ground was instantly enveloped in joy.
That evening, back in the player dormitory, the first thing Oliver did was call his family in Birmingham via video. When the video connected and his father's familiar face and his mother's concerned eyes appeared on the screen, Oliver was even a little incoherent with excitement. The Football Association's invitation was first sent to Hoffenheim club, as they needed Oliver himself to confirm immediately. Jules, as his agent, received the news a little later.
"Dad! Mom! I have news for you! Huge news!" Oliver spoke rapidly, his voice high-pitched,
"I've been called up! To the England National Team! And the senior team! I can go to Russia to play in the World Cup this year!" He practically shouted, eager to share this immense honor.
"Son, do you want me to go to Germany with you? You're an international now, just say the word, and Dad will drop everything and come to you immediately." Jules remained supportive of his son's football career.
"No, absolutely not, Dad. You just focus on your work. I don't want my affairs to affect your business. Our family of three all have careers now: your foreign trade business, Mom's restaurant, and my football. Let's all work hard. You can just help me out when negotiating contracts." Oliver cared more about their entire family.
And Shuwen, beside Jules, was so excited that tears instantly welled up.
She covered her mouth, leaning on Jules's chest, tears rolling down like broken pearls, one hand tightly gripping Jules's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably:
"Son... my son... selected for the National Team... for the World Cup...Woo woo woo... My son, it wasn't easy, he made it! He really made it!"
Shuwen's voice was filled with hardship, pride, and immense relief. Her hard work in the restaurant kitchen and her husband's struggles in starting a business were all completely illuminated by her son's achievement at this moment.
Jules, nodding excitedly, gently patted his wife's back, his gaze towards his son on the screen also full of unspeakable pride and moistness. Oliver looked at his parents, crying tears of joy on the screen, and his eyes also became slightly warm. This honor belonged not only to him but also to the family who had silently supported him and given everything for him.
...
The next afternoon, the sun was bright.
Nagelsmann did not arrange high-intensity training. After the afternoon recovery training, he called Oliver to his office.
"Oliver, sit down." Nagelsmann pointed to the chair in front of the desk. On the desk was an open laptop, the screen showing a waiting video call interface.
His expression was serious and earnest: "Coach Southgate has arranged a time for an online meeting with you. Remember, relax, but also stay focused and respectful."
Oliver took a deep breath, nodded, and sat down in front of the computer, feeling both nervous and full of anticipation. As soon as the agreed time arrived, the video call request rang. Nagelsmann sat beside Oliver and reached out to help him answer the video call. Gareth Southgate's familiar yet slightly serious face immediately appeared on the screen. He was wearing an England Team Polo shirt, with the St. George's Park office as his background.
Seeing the connection made, Southgate showed a gentle smile:
"Good afternoon, Julian, good afternoon, Mr. Thorne."
"Good afternoon, Gareth." Nagelsmann nodded in greeting.
"Good afternoon, Coach Southgate." Oliver sat up straight and greeted respectfully.
"First, congratulations on your selection to the National Team squad, Oliver." Southgate went straight to the point, his tone sincere and direct, "This was not an easy decision, but your performance left us with no hesitation."
He looked at Oliver on the screen with sharp and frank eyes:
"Last summer, during Hoffenheim's Champions League qualifier against Liverpool, we already noticed you. A player so young, yet able to consistently create threats with vision and breakthroughs in such a crucial, almost cutthroat environment, that alone was striking enough. And as the season progressed, especially your performance against Manchester City, and ultimately in the Champions League, particularly against Real Madrid..." Southgate nodded slightly, with appreciation,
"Your goal tally, your technical application, and more crucially, your mental fortitude shown under high-intensity pressure, your tactical execution, and that desire for victory and selfless commitment that everyone saw—these clearly told me, and my team evaluators: You, Oliver, already possess the ability and mindset to skip all intermediate tiers and directly enter the senior National Team, to fight alongside the best England players!"
Oliver listened intently, his heart stirred. So Coach Southgate had been paying attention to him from such an early stage. Southgate then began to introduce the current situation of the England Team:
"Next, I'll first introduce you to the current National Team squad. Currently, we have reliable world-class center forwards like Harry Kane in our team, wingers or attacking midfielders with excellent speed and technique like Sterling, Rashford, and Lingard, young but technically superb players like Alli, and of course, solid midfield pillars like Henderson and Dier. Our defensive line also has top-tier players like Walker, Stones, and Maguire. Overall, our team is young, vibrant, technically sound, and tactically disciplined."
He then changed the subject, his gaze towards Oliver filled with clear expectation:
"And you, Oliver, you can bring something unique and important to us. Firstly, it's your powerful impact on the flanks, especially at right winger. Your vision, ability to change direction and break through, and your finishing ability after crossing or cutting inside, can provide us with powerful direct attacking force and variation on the wings, serving as a sharp tool to break open compact defenses.
Secondly, we have observed that you also show potential in the central area, particularly in the right half-space or as an attacking midfielder, participating in offensive organization and delivering dangerous passes. This versatile attribute is extremely valuable for a Coach when arranging the lineup."
Southgate concluded,
"We need your instant explosive ability to change the game's rhythm, and we also value your ability to constantly create threats and pull space between the two penalty boxes."
"I understand, Coach." Oliver nodded solemnly.
Southgate finally emphasized the squad arrangements and deadlines:
"The official 23-man World Cup final squad will be announced around May 16, depending on performance in the training camp and possible final assessments. And what you need to do is to show your form, your willingness to integrate into the team, and your ability to understand tactics in the upcoming training camp."
"At the same time, I hope," Southgate looked into Oliver's eyes, his tone serious yet full of trust, "that in the coming weeks, you continue to stay focused, play well in Hoffenheim's remaining crucial matches of the season, and deliver your best! Also, be extremely careful to protect your body and avoid injuries! A healthy, in-form you is crucial for Hoffenheim, and equally significant for our England National Team!"
He paused, a smile reappearing on his face, with a hint of encouragement:
"Finally, regardless of the final outcome for Hoffenheim this season, everything you've shown in the Champions League and the League has been impressive. Perform well, and I personally very much look forward to seeing you in the Premier League next season!"
Southgate's phrase "See you in the Premier League next season" was like an unspoken encouragement, and it subtly revealed the National Team Coach's judgment on Oliver's future.
Oliver, on the other end of the video, took a deep breath and expressed all his excitement and gratitude in authentic Birmingham English:
"Coach Southgate, thank you very much to you and the Football Association for giving me this opportunity! It is a great honor for me to represent the England National Team. Please rest assured, I will report to St. George's Park on time. In the upcoming matches, I will give my all, fight for Hoffenheim until the last moment, and at the same time, I will definitely protect my body and bring my best form to the National Team. I look forward to integrating into the team as soon as possible, learning, and contributing all my strength to the England Team's journey in Russia! Thank you again for your trust!"
Southgate nodded with satisfaction: "Good, young man! Stay in form, and we'll see you at St. George's Park! Julian, thank you too for your development of Oliver, goodbye." Nagelsmann also smiled and responded with a farewell.
The video call ended. The screen darkened. Outside the window of Nagelsmann's office, the twilight was gradually descending over the Sinsheim base. Oliver sat in his chair, the ripples in his heart not yet fully subsided. The identity of an England international, the call of the World Cup, Southgate's earnest expectations...
All of this made him feel an unprecedentedly heavy weight on his shoulders, yet also incredibly fulfilling.
A new identity, a brand new journey, awaited him ahead.
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