(22 July 2006)
(Matt's pov)
Ajax vs Arsenal
Who would have known the first game in the Emirates would be the last for Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp.
"Oi, that's Johan Cruyff" said Jack pointing at the suited old man, he looked harmless, I wonder the defenders he destroyed thinks the same.
"Keep it down mate, I've heard he doesn't like being disturbed from a game" said Henri. For the past week we all have been training with the first team and what a training it has been.
Theo Walcott, Cesc Fàbregas were not much older than us.
I didn't know how to feel about Cesc Fàbregas, La masia player, he will be causing Mayhem in the premier league for next 3 seasons If I remember correctly.
And I have to compete with him for the minutes, I can't believe I am even thinking of that, in My last life I would have slapped myself, for being mad.
"To think the first game in a new stadium would be scored by Ajax!" Exclaimed Jack with frustration.
"Titi will score the first for us" I said at which he nods and began watching again.
I could play at Freddie Ljungberg's place, I'll have to talk with boss for that.
"We won't get to play at Highbury.. as footballers" said Gibbs, he didn't like the Emirates stadium that much.
"Didn't we play there against United's U19" said Jack, confused.
"As footballers mate, like first team home game against United" said Gibbs raising his hand making a fist.
"Why don't you like Emirates, it's better than Highbury at everything. More seating, better dressing room, pitch, new technology", I asked, he's been like this for a while.
He looked at me as if I had sinned, "History! Playing at Highbury is an honour!" Said Gibbs.
"I agree with that" said Henri.
"That's it? We'll just have to make history at Emirates then" said Jack before I could say anything.
He has a smug smile, as if he's the best player in the world.
"Heh, what will you do?" Asked Henri with a mocking smile.
"I've been practicing bycycle kicks" he said with glee.
"You'll have to hit that against Spurs in the 89th minutes to make history, and that'll be like local north London history" said Gibbs making Me and Henri bust out laughing.
"Haha you'd have to score an hattrick of them for" I said agreeing with Gibbs.
"I'll just do that" said Jack, he always does that. He slightly remind me of the Zalatan meme.
"Don't worry boys, I'm sure we'll make history at Emirates" I said, we all grinned like idiots.
(9 September 2007)
Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea.
2007 U-17 WC Final
Audience - 60,000
90th Minutes England 6-2 Spain.
I couldn't help but shout loudly, we had done it. We had brought it back home first time in the History of English football.
I looked at the Spanish players, on their knees, it made me remember the last final we played against them.
I moved towards Fran Mérida, an old friend. I met him at the academy, I didn't think he would make it to the Spain's team, he wasn't very aggressive and Attacking in his play.
His control and composer was the only thing that made him dangerous.
"Fran" I said making him stand.
"Delevigne" he said back, there was a little hurt in his voice.
"You played well, It's just, you were against us." I said with a smile, that made him laugh.
"You're still very narcissist." Said Fran.
"You're moving so fast.. it's like yesterday Roy introduced you to us. A 13 year old boy now worldcup winner" said Fran he gazes towards the England's players celebrating with Hamilton.
"You're not there" he said still looking there.
"Talking to you felt more important" I said.
"You're still a kid" said Fran with a sigh, making me smile. He was a kind hearted boy, and I admired him a little, not for his football, but for his personality.
"Want to exchange shirt?" He asked.
"Sure" I said, removing my shirt and wearing his number 13.
"Go now, celebrate, you've earned it" said Fran waving Goodbye.
I walked towards the mob that has surrounded coach Hamilton, "Get him up" I said and everyone moved, picking him up.
We launch him in the air three times before he started giving us suspension threats and praying to God.
"You got Frans shirt?" Asked Henri, he was wet, his hair messy.
"Oh, I didn't see" said Jack with a deadpan expression, pointing at my jersey.
"We did it brother" said Jack, giving me his arm.
I grin, and dabbed him,"Yup, and in style", I tried taking my hand away, but he didn't let go.
Before I know I was surrounded, "Just don't break my legs" I said surrendering to my fate, I was having the time of my life, for both lives.
As the medal ceremony ended, we roam around the ground, thanking the crowd.
Honestly South Korea had been an amazing place to experience, I had never been to an Asian country before.
All I knew about the country was I got from Korean movies and gangnam style.
"Except the names, I love everything about South Korea" was said by Jack after the first group stage game we played against Germany.
And we were not as quite famous here, so we could roam around freely, unlike in North London where we were followed by tabloids.
"Hey, I might just settle here, look even Gibbs is in demand in Korea" said Jack pointing at girls asking for captain Gibbs shirt.
"Haha" we all laughed at the captain.
(Pov end)
-----
23 July 2007
(Third person pov)
"England lifts the First U-17 worldcup", The front page headline of most English newspapers, a photo of England's team that cover the whole page.
"The greatest generation of English football?", A side photo of the team, Matt and Jack stood side by side.
"The magical maestro of England", A picture of Matt holding the golden ball stood.
"The most entertaining U-17 world cup", A collage of goals pictures, there were two of Matt's freekicks captured.
There was celebrations in the English pubs, some declared a free beer pint for every one.
"Good morning Everyone, this is sky sports, I'm Richard Keys, and today we've got an amazing panel. Liverpool's Jamie Redknapp, and Paul Merson." said Richard Keys looking at the studio cameras.
"England wins the world cup, U-17 one, but a world cup nonetheless, how do you feel about that?" He asked looking at the panel.
Paul Merson and Jamie Redknapp sat on the chairs beside him.
"Amazing, the lads has shown the professionals how to do it, we've seen England fumble so many trophies over the years, and these young boys, they've done it" said Paul with his usual contempt towards the seniors.
"What do you think Jamie?" Asked Richard.
"I'm Happy obviously, our boys dominated the entire tournament, players like Jack Wilshere, Danny Welback, Matthew Delevigne are top talents in Europe, it's nice to see them get a taste of silverwares" said Jamie with a smile.
"Now Jamie it's not the first trophy they had won for England, last year they won Euros defeating Spain 7-0" said Richard, his voice heavy creating a sense of pressure.
"That's amazing, but Richard, senior football is lot tougher than let's say U-17 or U-19.
People who don't play doesn't understand that, that's not to say it's not an achievement, it's great, and I look forward to them play real professional football" said Jamie.
He had chosen every word carefully, still he didn't liked his response, he clicked his tongue and clenched his jaw a little to not show it on camera.
"I don't agree with you Jamie, have you seen any other youth team play better? No, they destroyed others, look at the numbers, they're special.
And honesty, I'm sure Jack Wilshere would have scored the Southgate penalty" said Paul making Jamie hide his face and laugh.
"We have Clara in London. Clare how do people feel about the win?" He asked to Clare Tomlinson who stood in front of people wearing England's kit with a mic in hand.
"Richard here in Trafalgar Square people are very excited, it has been decades since England won anything." She said her hand on her earpiece.
"It seems people has taken out their English jersey, a lot of people wearing them?" Asked Richard.
"Hundreds of them, some had written Delevigne and Wilshere on their backs with markers" she said with a laugh.
"Can we talk to anyone there?" He asked.
"Sure, how did you feel about the win?" She asked to a large white male wearing a tight jersy which seems to be screaming for help.
"PHENOMENAL! Those kids got character! They are the future! You saw that Wilshere kid score againt Germany! He's like Ronaldo! Sir Alex, Sign him", he held the mic, his voice came a little slurred.
"That's good Clare, see you in the studio" said Richard, the screen behind him again showed sky sports logo.
"You see that, people want these kids to be signed to their clubs, here gentleman demanding Sir Alex to Sign Jack Wilshere" said Richard looking at Jamie and Paul.
"It's too soon Richard, the kids need time to develop, let them play U-19 or U-21.
Developing their talents is the way to go. And Liverpool academy is quite good. Just saying" said Jamie with a shrug, making Richard chuckle.
"This time I agree with Jamie here, they need to learn some things, get trained on how to talk to Media, and behave like a professional, there are so many things, ya they need time" said Paul nodding at Jamie.
"Well here are the awards, now the golden ball was given to Delevigne, even though Wilshere scored 13 goals" said Richard looking at the stats on his screen.
"9 of them were his assists, there's no question Richard" said Jamie.
"It's my job Jamie, Toni Kroos, another brilliant German midfielder, he go the silver ball, that's a little questionable, Wilshere should have won that" said Richard, to which Paul nods.
"I get your point, he got the golden boot though, he should be happy" said Paul making them chuckle.
"There were 5 Arsenal players in the world cup final. 4 played for England one for Spain, Arsenal might have a competitor for special class of 92" said Richard.
"That's impressive, Arsenal has invested a lot in youth football, and it's good to see bearing fruits" said Paul.
"Class of '92, what a time it was. The golden generation of English football? They were called that too if I remember correctly, And didn't win anything at the end.
So let the kids breathe, they've come from a tiring tournament, leave them alone, and when the time comes, well see them perform on the grand stage" said Jamie.
Jamie was getting frustrated, once he was hyped up to, and that broke him from inside when he failed at people's expectations, he didn't wanted the same to happen to these kids.
Time and time again he has seen English media ruin the self esteem of English striker, now they had none, he wanted to protect the boys.
"That's, well said. Now we need a quick short break, after that we have a detailed analysis of every game of the world cup with experts so don't go anywhere" said Richard as cameras pan out slowly.
Golden Boot
Jack Wilshere (England) – 13 goals
Silver Shoe: Macauley Chrisantus (Nigeria) – 7 goals
Bronze Shoe: Matthew Delevigne (England)– 6 goals
Golden Ball
Matthew Delevigne (England)
Silver Ball: Toni Kroos (Germany)
Bronze Ball: Macauley Chrisantus (Nigeria)
Best Goalkeeper
Yorick Antheunis (Belgium)
(Pov end)