George. Wood still vividly remembers what his mother said to him when he was first named in England's World Cup squad.

Now that I think about it, it feels like yesterday. But in fact, four years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Four years ago, he watched others play in Germany, benched for five games, and didn't get a minute to play.

Four years later, there was a lot of media clamoring for him to start. And he himself is well aware of this.

With Capello taking over, Wood, who had been unreused, gradually won the Italian strongman's affection with his dedication and uncomplaining attitude. In the games he played, England's midfield defence was more than a notch better than before, and opponents would have crashed into an iron plate if they wanted to easily pass through the middle. Now Capello should not be thinking about Wood's non-playing, but about George. What a partner does Wood deserve.

But George. Wood's popularity in the team has not improved with the clarity of his main position. His taciturn surname made him like a drop of oil in a glass of water in England.

In addition to and also from Nottingham Forest's Layton. Barnes and Allen. Lennon, he has nothing to talk to in the England team.

He himself has a straight face all the time, and he looks like Capello, which is also difficult to approach.

In the final days of preparing for the World Cup in South Africa, he couldn't think of anything else to do other than train. Everyone else would go out shopping in groups, and the paparazzi who were following them would take a wild beat. But you will definitely not find George in these photos. Wood's figure.

He prefers to make transatlantic phone calls to talk to his mother.

Some teammates secretly nicknamed him "Good Baby", which formed a stark contrast to his tough surname on the court.

George. off the field. Wood is definitely not a newsmaker, nor is he obtrusive. His name mentioned in the media must be related to tactics and games, and those gossips have nothing to do with him. Except for training and warm-up matches, he seemed to disappear from the public eye.

But it didn't last long. The World Cup is about to begin, and then it's time for George. Wood's stage.

※※※ The opening match was played between the hosts, South Africa and Uruguay. There were no big stars, South Africa had the advantage of the home field, and Uruguay was slightly stronger than South Africa, so the two sides fought evenly - in the end a 1-1 draw.

The game was a wonderful one, and there was nothing to remember about the classic picture. For England fans, even if it's the opening game of the World Cup, it's not worth paying attention to.

Everyone is waiting for the match between England and Costa Rica in Group D.

In the group stage of this World Cup, England, as the second-tier team, drew a good draw: they were placed in a group with Costa Rica from North America, South Korea from Asia and Brazil from South America.

Brazil is of course very strong, but there are two opponents left...... The world media unanimously favored Brazil and England to qualify from this group together. Costa Rica and South Korea will not pose any threat to these two teams.

Although the Korean media and Korean fans are still dreaming of reaching the semi-finals in 2002, the Republic of Korea has made a number of plans to qualify. Including a draw with Brazil, a narrow win over England and a big win over Costa Rica; lost to Brazil, drew with England, beat Costa Rica by goal difference, and beat England to finish second in the group; defeated Brazil, England, and Costa Rica, and won all three games to qualify...... But apart from their own countrymen, no one in the world believes they will make it out of this group.

The day before the game against Costa Rica, there was a lot of news about what England would be in the starting line-up for the next day. Tony. Donn in the pre-game prediction show his own lineup in the George. Wood is firmly in the middle of midfield.

Everyone thinks that George. Wood's World Cup debut is just tomorrow.

But...... At lunchtime, Wood was told he wouldn't be in the starting lineup tomorrow.

Strongman Capello did not explain the reasons to Wood, only to tell him that Frank Lampard and Gerrard will start in the middle of tomorrow's game due to tactical needs.

After Capello announced the decision, he looked at Wood, and he noticed that the kid was expressionless, and just nodded to accept the decision. Only then did he leave with peace of mind.

Capello did not treat the media the same way he did Wood when he announced this decision, he made his own explanation - Costa Rica is not strong, he needs more goals to play such an opponent, and Wood has contributed very little in attack, so there is no need to waste an attacking spot in order to strengthen the central defense, so let Wood rest.

This explanation makes sense, but Wood's supporters are still a little reluctant to see Wood in England's World Cup debut tomorrow...... The next afternoon the game was played without George. Wood's England were in control of the game except for the first 20 minutes when they felt the pressure from Costa Rica, and did not give Costa Rica any better chances.

As Capello had hoped, England won 3-1 against the fourth-placed team in the group.

Replacing George. Frank Lampard, who came on with Wood, scored a goal and assisted a goal in the game and was voted Man of the Match.

Donn was a little worried. No coach will substitute the best player on the pitch for the next game. So in the next game against South Korea, which is not strong, Capello has no reason to let Wood play.

Before the World Cup, he also wrote that George. Wood will be one of the main actors in this World Cup. Now it seems that he has been positioned as a "substitute player". Even if he was actually allowed to play in the match against Brazil, it would only give the impression that England had let the main players rest after qualifying ahead of schedule and did not fight hard with Brazil.

In his commentary, he was a little critical of Capello's decision. At the same time, he suddenly hoped that the South Korean could cause more problems for England and make some changes in England...... as Donn expected in the second game, Frank Lampard, who had performed well in the previous game, continued to occupy the starting line-up, while George Murphy. Wood continued to sit on the bench.

Expectations for this game are high in England, and they will all want to see Fabio Capello's side overcome South Korea and qualify for both games.

Only Donn is in the opposite direction – "The Koreans have already lost to Brazil and this match is a crucial battle for them to qualify from the group. I don't think this game will be as easy as some people think. If there are people in the England team who are underestimated, even the Koreans, they can make them suffer! ”

Although he doesn't like Koreans, Don still nods in affirmation about the quality of the will of Korean players. If they really start to go crazy, coupled with the pride of England, then it is not impossible to "capsize in the gutter".

This time Don guessed it again.

England met with extremely stubborn resistance from the South Koreans from the very beginning of the game.

South Korea used an all-in attack and defense tactic in the game, using their excellent physical fitness to run all over the field, starting from the front to steal the football at the feet of the English players, forcing them to make mistakes in the middle of the game, and the technical statistics of active errors skyrocketed.

The English players were obviously unprepared for the Koreans' desperate style of play, and they panicked when they were grabbed by the South Korean team, and they couldn't even play half of their usual level.

Frank Lampard, who performed well in the last game, was "a blessing and a curse" - because his previous performances were too outstanding and dazzling, this game was "taken care of" by the South Koreans. The two-man defense is the most basic, in addition to kicking the ankle, hitting the thigh, and pulling the jersey...... and other small actions.

The referee's frequent whistles simply did not stop the crazy Koreans. Compared to a future that may not be able to get out of the line, what is a foul?

Lampard fell to the ground again and again, and raised his hands helplessly. It looks as if he is surrendering, but in fact he is protesting. But protests are useless. The Koreans are very well proportioned to fouls, and there are good fouls from behind – which are guaranteed to be carded, maybe even red cards – and the foul is not a fixed one or two people.

At halftime everyone got together to chat while John. Mortenson was a little angry and said that the Koreans were so shameless.

Don smiled. He wished that Koreans would be more shameless...... Fabio Capello is no fool like McLaren, and at the moment, Frank Lampard is not seen as having a chance at all, disappearing on the pitch in the second half of the first half, and helping little defensively. If he had Capello, he would have replaced Frank Lampard with George. Wood, who used Wood's scramble to help England regain control of midfield.

Wood's attacking prowess certainly doesn't match Frank Lampard's. But a team's offense often starts with defense. Sending four attacking players doesn't mean that the team's offense will × four, nor does it mean that the offense that didn't work in the first place will improve. Solid midfield defence and a tougher attitude to regain control of the midfield is the key to winning this game.

As soon as Donn shared his opinion with the rest of the studio, everyone nodded in agreement.

Mortensen also joked to Donn that when Capello's term is up, let the FA find you to take over as England manager!

Don smiled: "Then the FA officials will have a headache every day." ”

※※※Not long after the start of the second half, the situation on the field did not change in the slightest. The South Koreans used their tireless running and near-foul defence to contain England's attack while waiting for an opportunity to sneak up.

They will be able to accept the result of a draw because the South Koreans are confident of winning the last game against Costa Rica. However, England cannot afford a draw and will face a strong Brazil in their final group game. According to Capello's previous plan, it was to win against Costa Rica and South Korea, and finally play a casual match against Brazil, hiding the main force and facing the opponent in the knockout stage.

Fortunately, the Koreans are desperately trying to drag England down. Draw with England, win against Costa Rica, and fight England on goal difference. In the last game, they defended with all their might and finally managed to keep the goals conceded against Brazil at two.

Capello knew he couldn't afford to spend anything with the South Koreans anymore and he decided to replace Frank Lampard with a big swing.

The man standing on the sidelines took off his warm jacket and revealed the shirt underneath, which was none other than England's No. 13 George Brown. Wood!

"Oh—George. Wood's World Cup debut! Morteson smiled and glanced at Donn.

Donn noticed Mortenson's gaze, and he shrugged: "I think this substitution is a bit of a desperate order...... England did not expect that they would be stubbornly resisted by the Koreans. But I believe in George's ability, he does that a lot at Nottingham Forest. ”

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Capello pulled Wood and told the soon-to-be player of his intentions through an interpreter.

"I want you to help us rebuild order in the midfield and curb the momentum of the Koreans. Do you know how, George? ”

Wood nodded: "Defend." ”

Capello smiled: "That's right, that's it. We've conceded too many goals in midfield now and the Koreans have hit the counter-attack on the spot a couple of times. It's dangerous to go on like this. I want you to protect the midfield, and if the South Korean breaks the ball, you fight back right away...... Don't be afraid of fouls, this referee's whistle is on the soft side, and it is easy to play cards. Give the Koreans a little bit of awesomeness and see! ”

He pushed Wood onto the field.

※※※"George. Wood, a native of Southampton, is from Nottingham Forest. He is the captain of Forest, who has twice lifted the European Cup, one League Cup and one Premier League trophy. As a professional footballer, he has won almost every accolade he can get. But in the national team career, it was almost a blank slate. Because it is a purely defensive midfielder, it has not been reused. It was the first appearance of his international career in a big game, and Capello clearly has high hopes for him at a time like this, so let's take a closer look at what he can do to change the situation on the pitch right now. ”

Mortenson gave a very detailed introduction to George. Wood. In fact, he still felt a little awkward when he said these words. As a commentator for the Premier League, he didn't need to put George on the live broadcast of the game. Wood was recommended as a newcomer, but he still had to do it in the national team.

※※※ Wood ran up to the field and made a gesture to press the whole formation forward.

This was also apparently instructed by Capello. England need to attack, they need to score, as for the midfield defense...... Leave it to him!

Manchester United star Park Ji-sung was about to cut inside after dribbling the ball on the wing, but this time he was met with a strong block - the ball at his feet was slightly widened before he was caught up by George. Wood shoveled off.

Steven Gerrard conceded a goal in midfield? It does not matter! George. Wood stabbed the ball out again while the opponent was still adjusting it.

Koreans pride themselves on their running ability and tenacious style in George. Wood doesn't have the upper hand here. They're hard words, George. Wood is tougher than them! And with these opponents, Wood was merciless, shoveling when he should be tackled, fouling when he should be fouled, without any hesitation. He is like a robot that has been programmed in advance, and he meticulously follows it.

Park Ji-sung was once again kicked to the ground by Wood. This time the referee finally blew the whistle for a foul on Wood, but he only gave a pocket warning and didn't pull out a card.

His move drew displeasure from the South Korean players, who surrounded the referee in the hope that the African referee would give Wood a yellow card.

The actions of the South Korean players provoked the English fans in the stands to boo them collectively - why didn't you say that you took the initiative to apply for a yellow card and a red card when you played our players? Now that George treats you like this, what right do you have to be dissatisfied?

What a job George is!

Kick those Korean monkeys to death!

For a moment, the cheers for Wood in the stands suddenly became louder.

George. Wood stunned the South Korean players with his usual toughness and fierce expression, and England regained the initiative on the pitch. The effect was very obvious - when England's waist hardened, the difference in quality between the two teams was revealed. Only Park Ji-sung of South Korea can barely compete with the England players, but he has also been promoted to the role of George. Wood's list of "key cares". Now he has to avoid Wood when he gets the ball, otherwise he is really afraid of being kicked off the field by Wood. When he was in the English league, he didn't see much of Wood's style of play. If Capello sent him to abolish himself, then he would really be deposed...... The Koreans raced all over the field, and the advantage they had gained in exchange for physical strength was lost as their physical strength gradually declined. Instead, England relied on George. Wood's dominance in midfield regained the upper hand.

In the 77th minute of the game, Gerrard assisted Darren. Bent scored the only goal of the game. not only won the right to qualify in advance, but also kicked the once ambitious South Korean team back to their hometown in East Asia.

South Korean fans stood in the stands, still unable to believe what they were seeing – they were going to stay until at least the quarter-finals before coming to South Africa...... After a morbid success at the 2002 World Cup, South Korea failed to qualify from the group for two consecutive World Cups. For themselves, the World Cup in Germany was "the collective revenge of the Europeans", and the World Cup in South Africa was "too unlucky" and was placed in the "group of death" (the group of death they set themselves). But the whole world knows that this is the true level of Korean football. Just because there is a player who plays in a club like Manchester United doesn't mean that their whole team is Manchester United, Park Ji-sung is not a savior, and modern football was not invented by Koreans.

Their status in the sport is only guaranteed to reach every World Cup finals in the future, and they are even inferior to their close neighbors.

※※※Don looked very happy. On the one hand, because the Korean stick he hated was eliminated early, and on the other hand, George. Wood was outstanding.

"If I had to rate England as a team in this game, I would give Wood the highest score. His appearance was key to turning the tide of the game, and Capello would be talked about by England fans for a long time because of the substitution. A decisive substitution created a victory, and a new England midfield core was already in place! He commented after the game and praised George. Wood's performance did not mean to avoid suspicion at all.

"I believe Capello has also found the best home combination for England through this game. In addition, I would like to remind you that in the next game against Brazil, maybe the other players will need to be rested. Wood absolutely never needs to! No matter how many games he plays in a row, he doesn't need to rest, he is a real nuclear powerhouse and never tires! Please don't put Wood on the bench for the purpose of resting him. As long as he doesn't get injured, he should take a starting spot at England's home stadium! If England can make it to the final, he can play until the final, without having to rotate or make early substitutions. He's a monster, but it's the monster England needs most at the moment! ”

(To be continued)