The England training camp.
Alex walked into the canteen for breakfast on the first day.
It was full of superstars.
At one table, the Manchester City players sat. They looked like robots, eating their perfectly measured oatmeal.
At another table, the Liverpool players were laughing, loud and confident.
Alex got his food. He looked around. He was alone.
Antoine was French. Mark was not in the squad (yet). Bastian was German.
He was the only Arsenal player.
He found an empty table in the corner. He sat down.
"Is this seat taken, Professor?"
Alex looked up.
It was James. The Chelsea striker. The one Alex had beaten in the U21 game.
James was holding a plate of eggs. He was smiling. But it was a nervous smile.
"It is free," Alex said.
James sat down. "So," he said. "Champions League winner. Congratulations."
"Thanks," Alex said.
"And you beat us," James said, wincing a little. "That pass... to Antoine. It was annoying."
"Sorry," Alex grinned.
