Even though the league tournament was still going on, George Wood's name was repeatedly on the headlines. For a moment, no one cared much about who would win the title and who would be relegated. George Wood's injury was the most important. All sorts of news came out during this period and all sorts of rumors spread.
Some people said that George Wood's injury could affect him for the rest of his life and might even cause him to retire early.
Some people said that it was not a big deal at all and he would recover in a month at most. Those who said that even gave themselves an example. Because he had suffered a similar injury before. He could swim in ten days and run in two weeks.
Some experts said that Wood's injury would take three to six months to recover. Some experts expressed different opinions and thought that he would recover in eight to ten weeks.
Today, the media said that Wood would not be able to play in the UEFA European Championship and England's title was in doubt. Tomorrow, the same media announced in surprise that George Wood was expected to recover before the UEFA European Championship.
The England fans felt like they were on a roller coaster. They never knew if they would wake up to good news or bad news the next day.
Nottingham Forest had been forgotten. They had definitely lost the ability to advance into next season's UEFA Champions League after losing George Wood. But no one cared about their future now. On the other hand, Evan Doughty made a verbal promise to David Kerslake that he would not simply dismiss him because of this season's results. After all, no one expected Wood to get injured …
Kerslake did not believe the club chairman's verbal promise. Think about how Flores left in the first place. He said in front of everyone that the club's top management trusted the manager and then he was kicked as a scapegoat. Kerslake was not a fool and he was not young and ignorant. He knew how deep the waters of this industry were and he was ready to be dismissed.
The media was in an uproar and the English Football Association had to deal with the same question every day — "How is George Wood's injury? How long will it take for him to return to the field? "
It was obviously not good for England's preparation if this continued. Therefore, the Football Association looked for George Wood and hoped that he would accept an interview and express some optimism to calm people down.
Wood agreed. In an interview with BBC television, he said that he was not depressed because of the injury and that he was actively cooperating with the treatment and striving to return to the field within two months.
As soon as his interview came out, the previous speculations were much quieter. The Football Association was very satisfied with Wood's attitude even though they did not think that Wood could really return to the field within two months. But how would they know that Wood was telling the truth?
Even though Twain had promised Wood that he would sign him up to go to Spain as long as he could recover in two months. However, it was clearly unwise to put all his eggs in one basket. At the same time, Tang En was still making other preparations. If George Wood's recovery was not ideal and he was unable to make the trip, how would he adjust England's tactics?
This wasn't as simple as swapping out opponents. There are many players in England who can play in the middle of the midfield, but it is not easy to find someone who can play the role of Wood.
Gerrard's experience and ability would have been of the same use, but he was too old. Of Gerrard was. At 35, he was Gerrard. of Gerrard.
Gareth Barry was also thirty-four years old.
If it really came to that, Tang En was afraid that he could only give up on the strategy of using a player as the core and switch to a simpler style of play. The midfield's role was more to intercept the opponent's attacks, and not to organize attacks.
He would use more young people instead of relying on old guys like Gerrard and Barry. He would emphasize the whole and not rely on one player. The role of the core was irreplaceable, but he could let eleven players share the burden.
Twain was conflicted. On one hand, he hoped that Wood could recover soon and make it to the UEFA European Championship. On the other hand, he did not want the UEFA European Championship to ruin Wood's career.
Twain admitted that he was not a saint. He was a little selfish. He felt that this UEFA European Championship was his best chance. Who knew what would happen in a few years? The great opportunity to win the championship was right in front of him, but it became illusory because of Wood's unexpected injury. He could not say that he did not care.
How did things turn out like this? How did the invincible Iron King Kong, who had never been injured, fall down?
This was simply a domino effect. When one fell, it caused a terrifying chain reaction. For the first time, Twain felt that he did not have the confidence to tell the public that his goal was to win the championship.
Do not think that Twain was incapable because of this, and do not doubt that the other England players were useless.
The current George Wood, under his guidance, was equivalent to what Zidane was to France in the past. Although France won the World Cup and the UEFA European Championship back then, with a group of big-name star players in the team, they were in limitless glory. As soon as Zidane was injured, Henry, Wiltord, and Trezeguet were unable to bring a victory to the French team. The Golden Boot shooters of the three major leagues were collectively muted and did not score a single goal. In the end, they were eliminated in the group stage and returned home.
When Zidane was 34 years old, when everyone thought that France could rely on Henry, it was Zidane who sent France step by step to the finals of the World Cup in Germany. Although he was sent off for head-butting Materazzi in the end, causing France to lose the Gold Cup. But without him, France would not even have the chance to fight for the Gold Cup.
George Wood and Zidane's playing styles were completely different, but their roles and positions in the team were the same.
Zidane was irreplaceable, and so was George Wood.
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Twain and the doctor responsible for Wood's treatment, Professor Wallace, kept in touch by phone. They would basically call every three days. Wallace would update Twain on the latest progress of the treatment. The situation was not very optimistic. Wallace was worried that Wood's injury would not be completely healed before the start of the UEFA European Championship.
Twain could do nothing now. He could only wait. Even though the wait made him impatient.
There were many England fans who were waiting with the same feelings as him. The media said that Wood's recovery from his injury was smooth. The next moment, they said that the injury was repeated and the recovery prospects were not optimistic. The fans didn't know who to believe.
In such a chaotic atmosphere, the 2015-2016 Premier League season came to an end. Nottingham Forest, who lost George Wood, also lost its backbone. The team's performance in the last few rounds of the league was up and down. In the end, they did not qualify for the UEFA Champions League. They could only play in the UEFA Europa League next season.
This result was actually not bad for most teams. After all, they could still play in the European Championship. But for Nottingham Forest, who was used to winning, it was a complete failure.
Since it was a failure, someone must be responsible for it.
On the second day after the league ended, Nottingham Forest officially announced the termination of David Kerslake's contract. The club thanked Kerslake for his contribution in the season and a half and wished him the best of luck.
The parting seemed amicable, but there was an unconcealable chill in the customary thank-you speech.
No one expressed concern about Kerslake's whereabouts because everyone was crazy about the progress of George Wood's injury.
12th May. It was a full month before the start of the UEFA European Championship. It was less than a month since George Wood was injured.
When Wood appeared in front of the media in slippers and crutches, the England fans were still worried about him. They were worried that he would not be able to make it for the UEFA European Championship that started on June 10th. That was the news when he left the hospital and went home.
Professor Wallace came forward and said that they would do their best to let Wood catch the flight to Spain, but he could not make any guarantees.
"I can't guarantee that he will be able to step on the field in a month's time. I can't guarantee that he will be able to make it for this UEFA European Championship. I don't want you to create pressure on our work. "
Although the other European leagues had not ended, the focus of the English people was no longer on them.
No Premier League team had reached the Champions League final this season, so the Champions League final that was held on May 20th was also poorly attended. Tang En was very happy about this. The Champions League final was on May 20th, and the opening date of the UEFA European Championship was on June 10th. The gap between them was too short. If his players still had to play in the Champions League final, then they would not be able to reach their best state in terms of stamina or cooperation. This was not what Tang En wanted to see. He was happy to see the national footballers of other countries fight to the death in the Champions League, so that he could reap the benefits.
But when he thought of George Wood's injury, he did not have such thoughts …
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At this time, Tang En was sitting in George Wood's home, facing Wood.
Sophia was busy in the kitchen preparing afternoon tea for the two. The rich aroma of tea and cookies wafted out of the kitchen, making Tang En's nose twitch. Shania would not make afternoon tea for him because she did not have the habit of drinking afternoon tea …
"You look like you're in good spirits," Tang En said as he looked at Wood.
"I've always been like this."
Tang En smiled. Wood looked relaxed, but he was under a lot of pressure. Recently, he did not even dare to turn on his phone. If he did, there would be countless calls asking him for the latest news. He had to hide wherever he went, for fear of being recognized. That was because he really did not know how he should answer the media's questions about George Wood.
He had been on the phone with Professor Wallace. Overall, there was less good news and more bad news. Professor Wallace had mentioned more than once that it was getting increasingly difficult for Wood to recover before June 9th.
"Hey, George …" Tang En thought for a moment and asked, "Have you thought about what if … I mean, what if you really can't participate in the UEFA European Championship?"
Wood's answer was faster than Tang En expected. "I haven't thought about it."
Tang En rubbed his temples. Wood seemed to be having it easy. In any case, he just recognized the path in front of him and walked it until it was dark …
"Uh, George. How much do you know about your own injury recovery? " Tang En was worried that Wood was naive to think that because he was physically strong, he would recover from his injury faster.
"Not too good." He did not expect Wood to know so clearly. "Wallace told me that even if I can recover before June 10th, it will hurt a lot when I run and play football."
"Since you know …"
"It's just pain." It looked like if it was only pain, Wood would insist on playing.
Tang En was speechless.
Wood sensed Tang En's intention of looking for him. He asked, "You're not here to tell me that you're not going to keep your promise, are you?"
"Uh …" Tang En felt a little awkward. He really did think that way.
But when he saw Wood's face, he could not say it out loud.
Sophia came out with tea and biscuits, helping Tang En out of his predicament. They no longer discussed injuries and football. Instead, they sat together and chatted casually about the trifles of daily life.
Every time Tang En came, Sophia would be happy. Her face would flush with excitement and she would talk more than usual.
Now, Tang En could calmly face Sophia's enthusiasm.
After having afternoon tea together, Tang En decided to take his leave. Before he left, he called out to Wood, intending to talk to him alone.
Wood leaned on his walking stick and came to the door with Tang En.
Tang En lowered his head and thought for a moment before he raised his head and said to Wood, "George, no one can say for sure what will happen in the future. I hope that no matter what decision I make in the end, you can understand me … "
Wood nodded. "I'll go to Spain."
Tang En felt a headache coming on. "I hope so too, but not everything will go as one wishes. I hope that you can have a longer career. You're only 30 years old. For others, 30 is when they start to go downhill. But it's different for you. I believe that you're still on your way to the top. "
Tang En reached out and patted Wood's head. He seemed to have made a decision in his heart.
Wood did not answer him. Tang En said goodbye to Sophia, who was standing behind him. He then opened the door and walked out.
After Tang En drove away, Sophia gently hugged her son from behind and rested her chin on Wood's broad and strong shoulder. "George, are you really going to Spain?"
"Yes, Mom."
"But your foot …"
"It's okay, Mom. It'll get better. It'll definitely get better. "Wood gently patted Sophia's hand that was wrapped around his waist and comforted her.
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Tang En was still blocked by the media outside his house. They all asked Tang En to talk about George Wood's problem. If it was confirmed that Wood could not compete in the UEFA European Championship due to his injury, what countermeasures did Tang En have? Now everyone knew that George Wood was England's core.
Tang En refused to answer these questions. He awkwardly drove the car into his own yard.
Shania came out to pick him up. Seeing the situation, she could not help but whistle.
"You went to George's place?"
Tang En nodded. "The name list for the training will be announced the day after tomorrow. I need to confirm it."
"So what's the result of the confirmation?"
"No result."
"Huh?" Shania looked up at her husband. His brows were furrowed and he looked very distressed.
"Before I went, I thought I had already made a decision. But after I went, I realized that I had not made any decision at all. I made a wasted trip. "
Shania took Tang En's arm and walked back to the house with him. They closed the door, shutting off the prying eyes of all the media outside.
"Then write George's name on it first. Isn't it good that he's recovered? If he's not recovered, then change it … "
Tang En pinched Shania's ear. "How can it be so casual? Once the name list is confirmed, there's no way to change it. "
Shania rolled her eyes. She did not know much about football. It was a little embarrassing to say something wrong. But it was okay. She had a way to remedy it.
Tang En wanted to continue to mock his little wife, but his mouth was blocked by her wet red lips.
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