England's Greatest

[A bit short compared to my normal chapters; the last chapter and this chapter were supposed to be one, but I forgot to put them together on Inkstone. My bad for that but it is what it is.Enjoy the chapter; leave some comments and stones if you want. Also, I'm a bit curious if there's some chinese stories you guys would like me to translate after this one is finished.]

Leicester City's first penalty taker was originally Nugent. However, with Nugent absent from this match, Vardy, the team's current top scorer, stepped up. Ever since Tristan and Mahrez secured their starting positions, Vardy's goal-scoring efficiency had skyrocketed. With the relentless support from Tristan and Mahrez, Vardy had fully demonstrated his ability to capitalize on opportunities.

In less than two months, he had scored ten goals, bringing his league tally to 18. His position on the scorer list climbed to second, just behind Leeds United's McCormack, who had 19 goals. With this kind of scoring efficiency, as long as he stayed healthy and received ample playing time, it was only a matter of time before he claimed the league's Golden Boot. Much of this success was due to the contributions of Tristan and Mahrez, whose chemistry with Vardy on the field was palpable.

As Vardy approached the penalty spot.

"Come on, Jamie!" the fans roared, their voices rising in unison, creating a powerful atmosphere that reverberated through the stadium.

The tension in the air was thick as everyone held their breath, waiting for the moment that could change the game's trajectory. The referee's whistle pierced the silence, and Vardy stepped up confidently, striking the ball with precision into the bottom corner of the net.

"It's in! Leicester City takes the lead!" exclaimed the commentator. "A brilliant penalty from Vardy, and he continues his incredible scoring form!"

The stadium erupted in cheers as Leicester's players embraced Vardy, their spirits lifted by the breakthrough just before halftime. The Sheffield United players felt the weight of the moment; they had managed to hold firm for 40 minutes but now faced a steep hill to climb. Frustration flickered across their faces, and the realization that their defensive effort had been undone sunk in.

"Leicester City breaks the deadlock first at home," the commentator continued, his voice filled with excitement. "This goal changes the dynamics of the match completely. Sheffield United must respond quickly before the halftime whistle!"

As the Sheffield United head coach rallied his players to maintain their defensive shape, Leicester returned to their positions, buoyed by the momentum of their lead. The whistle blew, signaling the end of the first half, and both teams retreated to their locker rooms for a brief respite.

In the Leicester locker room, Coach Pearson praised Konakats's relentless performance. "You've been vital out there, Konakats," he acknowledged. "Keep pushing forward and make those overlapping runs. They can't handle your pace." His eyes scanned the room, ensuring every player felt the fire of encouragement. "Now, let's keep attacking Sheffield United's flanks. The message is clear: there's still work to be done."

The second half kicked off, and Leicester City transformed their style of play, channeling their inner Barcelona. Short, crisp passes replaced the long balls that had characterized the earlier parts of the game. The players began to dismantle Sheffield's defense with a flurry of movement and clever positioning.

"Look at the fluidity of Leicester's attack," the commentator noted. "Wow, just look at Tristan go! Every time I watch this youngster, I'm amazed by his passes and vision. His maturity and presence on the field are simply outstanding. And some of the goals he scores leave you in awe."

As the match progressed, Leicester's dominance became evident. Vardy, Mahrez, and Tristan created a trifecta of danger, constantly probing for weaknesses in Sheffield's defensive line. Mahrez's dribbling was mesmerizing; he danced past defenders with ease, drawing gasps from the crowd with his skillful footwork. Vardy's pace kept the Sheffield defenders on their toes, and he frequently found himself in promising positions, ready to strike.

In the 72nd minute, it was Tristan's moment to shine. He had been instrumental throughout the match, and now he received the ball just outside the penalty area. With deft touches, he maneuvered around a defender, showing remarkable agility and control. The defense collapsed in on him, but Tristan's confidence surged. He unleashed a low shot toward goal. The ball curved beautifully, eluding the outstretched arms of the Sheffield goalkeeper and nestling into the back of the net.

"And it's a goal! Tristan scores for Leicester City!" the commentator shouted, his voice filled with excitement. "What a strike! Leicester leads 2-0!"

The fans erupted in joy as Tristan celebrated with his teammates, arms raised in triumph. The connection between him and the supporters was electric; they recognized his potential and the impact he was having on the game.

The Sheffield players, meanwhile, felt the weight of despair settle over them. They had fought valiantly, but now it seemed like their efforts were in vain. As they regrouped, whispers of doubt and frustration spread among them, the goal serving as a harsh reminder of their defensive lapses.

As the final whistle blew, confirming Leicester City's victory, the atmosphere was electric. The players embraced each other on the field, a mix of relief and joy washing over them. The cheers of the crowd echoed around the stadium, a celebration of hard work and determination.

"Leicester City becomes the first team to reach the FA Cup semi-finals this season!" the commentator announced, capturing the excitement of the moment. The players took a moment to appreciate the significance of their achievement, knowing that they had earned their place among the last four teams competing for the prestigious trophy.

After the match, Tristan didn't rush to join in the celebrations with his teammates. Instead, he sought out Sheffield United's Maguire, who sat dejectedly on the grass, a picture of disappointment after the loss. Tristan admired Maguire's will and resilience.

"Hey, can I exchange jerseys with you?" Tristan asked, approaching Maguire with a friendly smile.

"Are you sure you want to exchange jerseys with me?" Maguire replied, his disappointment evident in his voice as he tried to mask his sadness.

"Of course! I respect you as a player," Tristan said earnestly. "You had a great game out there."

Maguire's mood brightened slightly at the compliment. "Thank you. It's nice to hear that, especially after a loss. Not everyone sees the effort we put in."

As they exchanged jerseys, Tristan added, "Do you have a Twitter or Instagram account? Let's follow each other! It'd be cool to stay connected after this."

Maguire chuckled, feeling the camaraderie despite the rivalry on the pitch. "Sure, but you're going to be in the Premier League soon. I… well, who knows?"

"Don't doubt yourself," Tristan reassured him, sensing the determination in Maguire. "With your ability, you'll be there in no time! Just keep pushing, and your chance will come."

After a final handshake, Tristan turned and made his way back to his teammates, a sense of fulfillment washing over him. The locker room awaited, alive with energy, filled with the buzz of victory.

Entering the locker room, the match stats flashed on the screens, a reminder of their performance.

Match Stats:

Final Score: Leicester City 2 - 0

Goals: Jamie Vardy (Penalty 40'), Tristan (72')

Tristan's FA Cup Stats: 6 Goals, 3 Assists

Game Rating: 8

"Not bad for a night's work," Tristan thought, a smile creeping across his face as he joined in the celebration with his teammates, proud of his contribution to the team's progression in the tournament.