Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 310: Preparing for the Euros

Bruno didn't pay attention to the external distractions. His future had been decided the previous summer, and now it was just up to Udinese, Mendes, and Jassim's team to work out the final details. At this moment, he was fully focused on preparing for the upcoming European Championship in France in June.

On May 18, just two days after Serie A ended, the Portuguese Football Federation announced their 23-man squad for the Euros. Big stars like Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and midfield core Bruno were all included. Additionally, Renato Sanches, who had just transferred to Bayern Munich for €35 million, was also on the list.

Starting on May 30, the Portuguese national team played three warm-up matches against Norway, England, and Estonia. Norway and Estonia were considered weaker teams, and these matches were primarily to give Portugal some practice. The truly significant match was against England.

After a 3-0 easy win over Norway, the Portuguese team traveled north to London to face England. This was their most important warm-up match before the Euro group stage.

...

The players from both teams had already taken the field. When the announcer introduced the England players, the new Wembley Stadium erupted in cheers. But when the Portuguese players were introduced, the boos were deafening.

The live broadcast displayed the starting lineups for both teams.

England (4-3-3):

Joe HartKyle Walker, Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill, Danny RoseEric Dier, James Milner, Wayne RooneyJamie Vardy, Harry Kane, Dele Alli

Portugal (4-3-3):

Rui PatrícioJoão Cancelo, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, EliseuDanilo Pereira, Adrien Silva, Bruno FernandesNani, Rafa Silva, João Mário

England had only won once in their last 11 encounters with Portugal, with 8 draws and 2 losses. England had won 11 of their last 12 home matches, losing only to the Netherlands in March. Tottenham had five players in the starting lineup, with Harry Kane and Vardy leading the attack and Rooney captaining the team. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had just won the Champions League with Real Madrid last week, continued to be absent, with Bruno leading the Portuguese side.

The players lined up, shook hands, exchanged flags, flipped the coin, and chose sides, completing the pre-match formalities.

The camera focused on England's forward Jamie Vardy, who had become a sensation in the Premier League last season. Vardy helped Leicester City defeat Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester City, creating the "Leicester Miracle." His outstanding performance earned him widespread praise from media and fans alike.

In the coin toss, Portugal's captain Bruno won against England's captain Rooney, giving Portugal the choice of sides, while England got to kick off first.

...

As the referee's whistle blew, the stadium was engulfed in a wave of cheers from the English fans. Harry Kane passed the ball back to Alli, who then passed it to Rooney, and the game was underway.

Rooney feinted a pass to Milner, but suddenly changed direction, skillfully dribbling past Bruno. Before Adrien Silva and João Mário could close in, Rooney passed the ball forward to Alli.

Alli received the ball and tried to turn, but Danilo Pereira came in with a fierce slide tackle. Alli had to jump to avoid the tackle, and the ball went out of bounds for an England throw-in.

"Alli! Danilo Pereira! That slide tackle was aggressive but clean," shouted the Portuguese commentator.

"A brutal tackle with intent to injure!" retorted the British commentator, as Danilo Pereira's tackle looked dangerous.

England's manager Hodgson frowned but remained vigilant, sensing Portugal's plan to use tough defense against Alli.

Hodgson decided to continue observing. If Portugal's strategy was just physical play against Alli, he wouldn't be too worried, as many teams tried similar tactics with limited success.

...

"The Portuguese midfield and defense are very close, giving England no space," said the Portuguese commentator. "Portugal's defense pushes up, and the midfield drops back, minimizing space between the lines."

"Yes, this makes it very difficult for Alli to receive the ball in this area."

"It's not just Alli. Vardy, Kane, and Rooney also find it hard to get the ball and create chances."

"Adrien, Danilo Pereira, and João Mário, Portugal can even switch to three defensive midfielders when needed, with Bruno and Nani dropping deep."

"Such disciplined play is expected from Santos' team. They are very coordinated, always doubling up on Alli, making it easier to defend against him."

...

The commentators' praise for Portugal's tactics showed their defensive success, especially against Alli, who struggled throughout the match. By the 41st minute, despite England's 61% possession, the score remained 0-0.

"Maybe Hodgson should change tactics and seek attacking routes through Vardy or Kane," suggested BBC commentator Lineker.

"Yes, Portugal's defense against Alli is successful, particularly Cancelo. Every time Alli gets the ball, either Cancelo or Danilo Pereira is right there," added Manchester United legend Gary Neville.

"Alli has been neutralized. Why doesn't Hodgson change tactics?" asked the assistant coach.

"He is testing the team. This is a warm-up match, and both sides aim to practice," explained Santos. "England is in control but not creating many threats, so Hodgson isn't worried. He's rehearsing scenarios for when Alli is tightly marked."

...

When the referee blew the halftime whistle, the score was still 0-0.

"Typically, 0-0 should be acceptable for Portugal and unsatisfactory for England, who had the upper hand. But look at Santos; he seems upset, while Hodgson is smiling," said Lineker.

The broadcast showed Santos looking displeased, while Hodgson was smiling, which amused the commentators.

"Does Santos think they should be leading? With 43% possession and two shots, 0-0 is lucky for them," Neville scoffed.

England had dominated the first half, but Portugal's defense held strong, frustrating the English commentators who lamented the lack of goals.

As the second half began, Santos noticed England's change in tactics. With Alli contained, Vardy took on more attacking responsibilities.

Using his speed against the taller but slower Danilo Pereira, Vardy started to create more offensive opportunities.

...

About an hour into the match, Alli received the ball but was quickly pressured by Adrien Silva, forcing him to pass. Rooney got the ball and flicked it to Vardy.

Vardy slowed down to lure Danilo Pereira in, then suddenly accelerated, leaving Danilo behind.

Just as the English commentators cheered Vardy's breakthrough, Carvalho slid in, cleanly winning the ball and sending it out of bounds.

"Carvalho! A precise tackle!" exclaimed the Portuguese commentator. "Clean and decisive, proving the reliability of 38-year-old Carvalho."

(End of Chapter)

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