My Ultimate Gacha System-Chapter 173 - 168: England vs Italy U21 [II]

Chapter 173: Chapter 168: England vs Italy U21 [II]
18’ - 25’ |
The goal settled England further as they continued controlling possession through their midfield, patiently probing for openings while Italy tried to reorganize their defensive structure, and the pattern became clear—England were simply sharper in their rotations, cleaner in their passing, more confident in their decision-making.
At the 21st minute Italy attempted to respond with a quick counter-attack as their right winger collected a loose clearance and drove forward, beating Carter Ives with a quick stepover before accelerating into space, but Tyler Nix read the danger perfectly and stepped across from center-back position to make a clean tackle that won the ball and drew applause from the crowd.
"Good defending from Nix," the commentator observed. "England very organized at the back. Carsley will be pleased with the discipline in their shape."
From the bench Demien watched the patterns develop as England’s dominance became increasingly obvious—their pressing triggers were sharper, their passing angles better, their movement more coordinated—and it was clear this squad had spent significant time together building understanding through multiple camps and qualification matches.
Italy weren’t playing poorly, they just couldn’t match England’s rhythm, and every time they tried to build something their narrow midfield got closed down by England’s well-drilled pressing system, and the frustration was starting to show in their body language.
26’ - 30’ |
At the 28th minute England created another dangerous opportunity as Kayden received the ball in his preferred pocket of space between Italy’s midfield and defense, and he took one touch to control before spinning away from his marker with a sharp turn that opened up the field ahead of him.
His pass split two Italian defenders and found Javier Crane making a run down the left flank, and the Leicester winger took one touch to control before driving toward the penalty area as Italy’s defense scrambled to cover, and Crane looked up once before cutting a high cross toward the back post.
Mason Teller attacked it with good timing, rising above his marker, but his header lacked power and Italy’s goalkeeper collected it comfortably while falling to his right.
"Another good chance for England," the commentator said. "They’re finding space consistently now. Italy struggling to contain these rotations."
The pattern continued as England probed patiently without forcing anything, confident that opportunities would continue appearing if they maintained their shape and tempo, and from the bench Demien could see exactly what Carsley had emphasized in training—England’s width was stretching Italy horizontally, making them choose between closing the wings or protecting the middle, and every choice left space somewhere else.
31’ - 35’ |
The second goal arrived in the 35th minute and came from a set piece that showed England’s preparation had extended beyond just open play patterns, and when Italy’s midfielder fouled Kayden thirty yards from goal the England players immediately knew their assignments as they moved into position.
Kayden stood over the free kick with Jamal Whitmore beside him, both discussing the delivery while Italy’s wall assembled nervously, and the referee paced out the required distance before stepping back and raising his arm.
Kayden’s delivery was aimed toward the back post rather than trying to beat the wall, the ball floating high through the Leicester afternoon with good pace, and it cleared the first wave of defenders before dropping into the crowded penalty area where bodies were jostling for position.
The initial header was contested by three players and came back out to the edge of the box, and the ball bounced once before sitting up perfectly for Harvey Keane who had continued his run from the corner and was now arriving at the penalty spot with space around him.
The Brighton center-back didn’t hesitate as he met the ball on the volley with his right foot, keeping his body over it to drive the shot downward, and the ball flew through a crowd of legs and bodies with pace that gave Italy’s goalkeeper no chance.
ENGLAND 2-0 ITALY (35’)
"GOOOOAL! Harvey Keane! England double their lead from the set piece!"
The stadium erupted again with louder celebration this time, the home crowd sensing the match was effectively over as Keane wheeled away toward the touchline with both arms raised, and his teammates mobbed him near the corner flag while the substitutes on both benches reacted—England’s players standing to applaud, Italy’s sitting quietly with disappointment evident.
"Clinical from Keane," the co-commentator added. "That’s good technique on the volley, keeping it down through all those bodies. England in complete control now."
Demien nodded quietly from the bench, impressed by the execution but not overwhelmed by the performance, and beside him Owen leaned over and said, "Proper strike that."
"Yeah," Demien agreed simply.
The quality was high, the organization clear, but this level wasn’t unfamiliar or surprising—these were talented players operating within a well-coached system, executing the tactical plan that Carsley had prepared, and the result reflected the gap in cohesion more than individual brilliance.
36’ - 45’ |
The final ten minutes of the half played out with England managing the game intelligently, slowing the tempo when Italy tried to press higher and circulating possession through their backline without taking unnecessary risks, and Italy’s frustration was visible as their attempts to create chances became increasingly desperate.
At the 39th minute Italy’s striker tried to manufacture something from nothing as he collected a pass with his back to goal and attempted an ambitious overhead kick that sailed high over England’s crossbar, drawing groans from the Italian contingent in the crowd and a wry smile from the commentator.
"Ambitious from Italy’s number nine, but England are very comfortable now. Two-nil up, controlling possession, and looking like they could score more if they wanted to."
Carsley stood on the touchline with his arms crossed, occasionally calling instructions but mostly just watching his game plan unfold exactly as designed, and when the fourth official raised the board showing two minutes of added time England simply continued their patient possession game without pushing forward aggressively.
The referee checked his watch as the ball was played between England’s defenders who were content to kill time, and when Leo Merrick played a simple pass back to Tommy Grayson the goalkeeper collected it and took six seconds before rolling it back out to restart.
At 45+2 the referee raised the whistle to his lips and blew three sharp blasts.
Fweeeeeetttttttt! Fweeeeeetttttttt! Fweeeeeetttttttt!
HALFTIME: ENGLAND 2-0 ITALY
The players began walking toward the tunnel as the modest crowd applauded both teams, and England’s starting eleven looked satisfied but not overly emotional as they filed off the pitch, while Italy’s players moved with quiet disappointment, clearly frustrated by their inability to match England’s rhythm and organization.
Demien stood from the bench along with the other substitutes and began moving toward the tunnel entrance, and as he walked he processed what he’d witnessed—disciplined international football at U21 level, well-executed tactical plans, quality players performing within a clear system.
Nothing overwhelming. Nothing unfamiliar. Just high-level youth international football.
Normal.
The tunnel swallowed both teams as they disappeared toward their respective dressing rooms, and the stadium announcer’s voice echoed across the stands announcing the halftime score while the crowd dispersed toward the concession areas, and Demien followed his teammates down the corridor toward England’s away dressing room where Carsley would deliver his halftime instructions.
The first forty-five minutes belonged to England. Completely.