90’+3’ | Full Time

Fweeeeeetttttttt! Fweeeeeetttttttt! Fweeeeeetttttttt!

FULL TIME: ENGLAND 6-0 NORTH MACEDONIA

The whistle blew and players embraced and Demien stood with his teammates while they walked toward the crowd together to applaud all four sections, and the fans sang "GOD SAVE THE KING" mixed with "THREE LIONS" mixed with "WALTER! WALTER!" and the noise didn’t stop.

He stayed humble and waved and clapped without showboating because professional celebration mattered, and when the lap was complete they walked toward the tunnel together.

The system notification appeared.

「MATCH MISSION: COMPLETE」

「FINAL STATISTICS」

「Minutes Played: 25」

「Goals: 2」

「Assists: 1」

「Pass Completion: 89% (24/27)」

「Chances Created: 3」

「Duels Won: 5/6」

「Match Rating: 9.5」

「MISSION OBJECTIVES: COMPLETED」

「REWARDS」

「100 TP | 2 SP | 100 MP」

「BONUS: Exceptional Performance」

「+50 TP」

「UPDATED BALANCE」

「355 TP | 18 SP | 463 MP」

The panel faded and Demien walked toward the tunnel with his teammates while Old Trafford continued singing his name.

Dressing Room

10:25 PM

The dressing room celebrated with controlled energy and music playing at moderate volume while players showered and changed, and the atmosphere was professional victory rather than excessive celebration because England had done what was expected against weaker opposition.

Demien was toweling off when Kane approached holding the match ball, and he extended it without ceremony or dramatic presentation.

"Two goals at Old Trafford," Kane said. "Your ball."

The white leather had the match details printed clearly: England 6-0 North Macedonia. 19/06/2023. Walter 81’, 88’.

His second senior international match ball in four days.

"Thank you," Demien said, and the acknowledgment was simple.

Kane nodded and patted his shoulder once before walking away, and the brief interaction was professional respect without excessive sentiment.

Southgate entered and the music lowered automatically, and he stood at the center of the room while players finished changing and gave him their attention.

"Excellent performance tonight," he said. "Six-nil. Clean sheet. Top of the group. Professional from start to finish."

His eyes moved around the room touching everyone equally. "Walter—very good cameo. Two goals, one assist, twenty-five minutes. Showed quality when called upon. Well done."

Brief acknowledgment. Then moved on immediately.

"Phillips—solid contribution when you came on. Mount—good energy in the final third. Grealish—created problems down the left."

Everyone mentioned. Equal treatment.

"We’re releasing players from camp tomorrow," Southgate continued. "Those with club commitments can leave after breakfast. Those staying for recovery, we’ll see you at St George’s Park Wednesday morning. Well done everyone. Enjoy tonight professionally—we’re on top of this group because we maintain standards."

He walked out and the meeting was over.

No Man of the Match announcement from Southgate because that was media’s job and not the manager’s, and playing favorites wasn’t his style.

The FA photographer appeared for the team photo and the squad gathered naturally with Demien holding the match ball and positioned in the middle row between Kane and Rice based on tonight’s contribution, and Saka gave bunny ears behind him while Grealish grinned from the side.

Professional celebration photo capturing the moment.

Players dispersed to finish changing into England travel suits and prepare to leave.

Mixed Zone

10:50 PM

The media obligations were mandatory for goal scorers and Demien stood in the mixed zone in his England tracksuit still sweaty with the match ball under his arm while Sky Sports set up their camera.

Sky Sports Interview:

The reporter’s microphone came up and the camera light went red.

"Demien, two goals and an assist at Old Trafford. How does it feel?"

"Amazing feeling," Demien said, and his voice stayed level despite the adrenaline still running. "Old Trafford is a special stadium. Seventy-five thousand people creating that atmosphere. Incredible to make my home debut here and happy to help the team win."

"Your first goal—that Marseille Roulette then the dipping shot from thirty-two yards. Where does that technique come from?"

"Training," Demien said. "Working on skills every day at Atalanta, trying to add different tools to my game. Saw the space tonight, backed myself to execute it, and thankfully it went in."

"You were dispossessed early in your cameo by Bardhi. How did you respond mentally to that?"

"That’s part of football," Demien said without hesitation. "Mistakes happen at this level. The key is learning quickly and making sure the next touch is better. That’s the mentality you need."

Good answer. Mature. Acknowledged the mistake. Showed growth.

"Liverpool and Manchester United directors were both here tonight watching you. Does that add pressure?"

"I don’t think about that during matches," Demien said, and the trained response came smoothly. "My focus is always on England and helping the team win. The transfer situation is for my agent and the clubs to discuss. I just concentrate on playing football."

"Meetings are reportedly scheduled this week with both clubs. Can you confirm that?"

"Right now I’m focused on recovering from tonight’s match properly," Demien said. "When there’s something official to announce, it’ll be announced through the proper channels."

Giving nothing away. Professional throughout.

"Two caps, three goals, two assists. Exceptional start to your England career. What’s the key to your early success?" 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Good teammates making me look better than I am," Demien said. "Good coaching from Southgate and his staff. And just trying to make the most of opportunities when they come. Stay ready, stay humble, keep working hard."

The interview ended and the reporter thanked him, and Demien moved to the BBC position where the second interview was briefer.

BBC Interview:

"Quick word Demien—two goals tonight at Old Trafford, how special is scoring here?"

"Unbelievable," Demien said. "Something you dream about as a kid watching matches here. Actually doing it is a completely different level. Just grateful for the opportunity to wear the England shirt and contribute."

"Congratulations, thanks Demien."

Media obligations complete. He walked toward the team bus.

Team Bus — Back To Hotel

11:15 PM

The team bus back to The Lowry Hotel had players on their phones now because match obligations were done and the protocol allowed device use, and the bus was quieter than usual because fatigue from a match plus the release of tension created different energy.

Demien unlocked his phone and airplane mode went off.

412 notifications.