The air in the training camp was buzzing, not with casual chat, but with a focused hum. Everyone knew what was next: Senegal. The Lions of Teranga were not just a good team; they were a force of nature. Athletic, organized, and defensively solid. Their captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, was a mountain of a man, a defender known for shutting down the best strikers in the world.
Nathan felt a tremor of excitement mingled with respect. This was the Round of 16. No more group stage nerves, just pure knockout football. His Glide of Messi mastery, now at a shimmering 10%, felt like a warm promise in his feet. He could feel the slight boost in his agility even in simple drills, a newfound smoothness in his turns.
During tactical sessions, Gareth Southgate emphasized patience and sharp movement. "They'll sit deep, they'll be physical," he'd warned. "We need to be faster, smarter, and take our chances."
