The Rise of Millwal

Coventry, Bradford, Ipswich, and Hamburg.

After their victory over Liverpool, Millwall secured two wins and a draw in their next three league matches. Sandwiched between these games was their second Champions League group stage match, a dominant 5–0 demolition of Hamburg at the Lion King Stadium.

Against relegation-threatened teams in the league, the tactical duels weren't as intense, reverting to more grind-it-out matches. The single draw was a slight disappointment but understandable, given their midweek Champions League fixture and the subsequent away match.

In contrast, Millwall's League Cup journey ended early this year. Liverpool eliminated them, with Metzelder being overpowered by Owen's explosive play, while Gerrard delivered an outstanding performance, leaving Pedretti struggling during defensive phases.

Aldrich wasn't overly concerned about their early exit from the cup.

After their game against Ipswich, the FIFA international break arrived once more.

Aldrich, who was often overlooked in the past, continued to be a central figure.

Not just Fleet Street, but fans across England had their eyes on him.

The new England national team squad was about to be announced.

Unlike many European teams in the World Cup qualifiers, England, having only four opponents in their group, would play just one friendly and a third-round qualifier against the relatively weak Albania during this FIFA break.

A month prior, upon taking charge of the England team, Aldrich had suggested that the FA arrange a friendly match.

The FA initially preferred a home game, reasoning that Aldrich, newly appointed, could boost morale with an easy win before heading into the qualifiers.

However, Aldrich was adamant about securing one of his proposed opponents, which included Italy and Spain—teams also in groups with only five teams and available for scheduling.

While the FA hesitated to approach Italy, the reigning Euro runner-up, they eventually locked in a friendly against Spain.

England's FIFA break itinerary was finalized: train in London, fly to Spain the day before the friendly, return to London immediately afterward, and prepare for the qualifier.

Before Aldrich attended the press conference, the England national team released the new squad list.

Goalkeepers: Seaman, James, Robinson

Defenders: Gary Neville, Mills, Phil Neville, Southgate, Ferdinand, Campbell, Brown, Ashley Cole, Bridge, Carragher

Midfielders: Butt, Lampard, Gerrard, Scholes, Beckham, Barry, Joe Cole, McManaman, Hargreaves

Forwards: Owen, Heskey, Alan Smith

A total of 25 players were called up.

Following Adams' international retirement, 30-year-old Shearer also stepped down, while the 34-year-old Keown and Manchester United's Cole were left out.

Upon seeing the squad, the public was bewildered.

Who was Hargreaves?

Was bringing only three forwards a sound decision?

And Alan Smith? This was the same player who had publicly spat at Aldrich during a Millwall vs. Leeds United match last season, later receiving a hefty fine from the FA. Was there no issue with including him?

At the press conference, Aldrich addressed the media's questions regarding the lineup.

"Hargreaves is a Bayern Munich youth product. Around two years ago, when Millwall faced Bayern, our youth teams also clashed, and that's when I noticed him. I've convinced him to play for England. This season, he's started breaking into Bayern Munich's first team. He has great potential and fits a role England needs at this stage, though he's young and still has areas to improve."

"Three forwards? I believe that's enough as long as all three remain fit. Alan Smith? There's no issue between us. If you think there is, you're questioning both our professionalism."

"My goal is simple: train well, test our strategies in the friendly, and win against Albania. Beyond that, we'll see what the future holds."

Before his appointment, Aldrich was widely praised and seen as the people's choice. But Upon taking office, Aldrich was immediately hit with overwhelming public pressure. It seemed as if the external forces had already turned their sights on him, ready to pounce on any misstep. If Aldrich made even the slightest mistake, there were those who would eagerly tear him apart, not only to watch him fail but, in some cases, to relish in his disgrace. The number of people who wished for his downfall was certainly not few.

The England national team's training camp was held at the Lion Training Base in London, a decision made directly by Aldrich. With characteristic boldness, he informed the English FA, "No rent required!"

This season, Wembley was leased to Arsenal, while discussions of its reconstruction loomed on the horizon. With funds tight, the FA eagerly embraced any cost-saving measures. Even knowing Millwall would benefit, they couldn't resist Aldrich's gesture of goodwill.

The camp offered a publicity boost for Millwall, and the waived rent was a trivial sacrifice for such exposure.

When 25 England players arrived at the base, their reactions varied—some were unfamiliar with the surroundings, while others navigated them effortlessly. The training facilities, long highly rated, included accommodations, allowing players to settle in comfortably before heading to the pitch in their training kits.

Aldrich didn't show up immediately. Instead, Klinsmann, along with the rest of the coaching staff, took charge of the initial introductions, briefing the players on their respective responsibilities.

When Aldrich arrived, he carried a report from the medical team. The players had undergone a preliminary physical examination upon arrival, and the findings were mixed. While defenders and midfielders were generally in good shape, there were concerns among the forwards. Notably, Owen, who had been indispensable for Liverpool since recovering from an injury, showed signs of wear.

On the pitch, the players stood in two rows. While not militaristically disciplined, there was a clear respect for protocol—no one slouched or appeared disengaged.

Facing 25 diverse expressions—some eager, some calm, others uncertain—Aldrich addressed them with measured authority.

"I believe you all know who I am, so I'll skip the introductions. You should also be familiar with the coaching staff. I advocate for humane management. Here, if you have a problem, speak up. Be direct, like men. Let's discuss and resolve it together.

First, leave your club loyalties at the door. Whatever conflicts or rivalries you've had, forget them. In the England shirt, you are teammates—a collective that relies on trust and mutual support. What's the key to a strong team? Communication and understanding. Don't expect your teammates to read your mind. Share your thoughts and expectations. A team that communicates openly lays the foundation for true collaboration, unlike 11 individuals playing their own game on the pitch. What I need is a united team—one bound together by shared purpose."

The players exchanged glances, the significance of Aldrich's words sinking in.

Club rivalries, especially those between Liverpool and Manchester United, often bled into national team dynamics. Fortunately, England's current squad had relatively few Liverpool players, making Aldrich's task slightly easier.

"Listen up, guys, we don't get much time together as a national team throughout the year. When we do, I expect you to be fully focused. The rules here are simple—follow the same discipline you follow at your clubs, period. Here's what I demand: First, when we're in camp, no player is allowed to hit the clubs, especially the night spots. You've got to rest during your downtime between training and matches. If you can't stick to that, then don't bother being here. Second, no commercial distractions. We need to be locked in and totally committed to preparing for the national team games. That's the number one priority. Don't let anything off the field mess with your focus. Third, any issues within the team stay within the team. Don't go spilling secrets from the locker room. This is just like the club—it's all about unity. If you've got a problem with that, then maybe this isn't the place for you."

Aldrich didn't need to waste time on petty rules about slacking in training—that was too childish, too trivial. His focus was on setting clear, non-negotiable standards for the team. He expected discipline, and that's all that mattered.

Finally, Aldrich pulled the England captain's armband from his pocket and approached Southgate. Handing it over, he declared his choice. The players' eyes turned to Southgate, a mix of respect and anticipation in their gazes.

"Gareth has been serving the national team since 1995. He has earned numerous honors at the club level and brings a wealth of experience from top-tier competitions. I can say this with confidence: appointing him as captain is the right choice because I know him. I know his fighting spirit and determination. I'm certain he can fulfill his duties as captain and serve the England national team well. If anyone here thinks he shouldn't be the captain, speak now. Or, if any of you believe you can do a better job, step forward."

The title of England captain—it was a great honor for any English player.

The players glanced at one another. Was there any dissent?

What grounds could they possibly have?

Gareth Southgate boasted three league championship trophies, three European championship trophies, and countless other accolades. To question his appointment would only invite ridicule.

If anyone thought they were more qualified, they'd need solid evidence and convincing reasons to back it up.

The captain of Millwall, widely acknowledged as the strongest club in Europe, now serving as the England captain—what could there possibly be to dispute?

Aldrich had already announced the captaincy decision at a press conference. Even Fleet Street, known for stirring controversy, hadn't raised any objections. It was simply logical.

Among the 25 players called up to this England squad, who could possibly be more suited to the role than Southgate?

The applause began, first tentatively, then growing into a warm reception for Southgate, marking his official inauguration as captain.

Once the applause died down, Aldrich pointed at Beckham and said, "David, you're the vice-captain. Lead by example and assist Gareth."

Beckham flashed a charming smile and cheekily asked, "So, what should we call you?"

"Call me whatever you like. Just call me coach; I'm not too particular about it," Aldrich replied casually.

Some clubs used "boss," others "gaffer," and "manager" was also common.

"Now, start your warm-ups. We have a packed training schedule today, so make sure you warm up properly to avoid injuries."