PURPLE - Trent Alexander-Arnold

TWENTY SIX

14/07/2018

This could be England's chance to get level. They were only 1-0 down to Belgium and this could be their chance to get level and give them a hope of finishing 3rd in the World Cup

Ella had seen the chance appearing and was running ahead for it with Beth running in behind with the ball at her feet

Ella timed her run perfectly and held out her hand in front of her, Beth got the signal and sent the ball ahead of Ella

But Ella turned to receive it just a moment too late. Mila from Belgium's team was going in for a late tackle and it was too late for Ella to try get out of it, Mila's boot met Ella's shin and Ella fell to the floor harshly, landing straight on her left hip

She let out a cry as pain shot through her body, rolling over and holding her hip tightly

"El!" Trent sprinted to his girlfriend's side as the ref blew the whistle "What's wrong?"

"My hip, it hurts so badly," She hissed and the England medics ran over

"What's happened?" Lola asked, trying to assess the injury

"I went down onto my hip and it's so painful," Ella winced and Trent squeezed her hand in comfort. Lola rolled Ella onto her back and felt her hip

From the stands the Beckhams and Gary Neville all watched the scene unfolding in concern. Ella had never been the type of player to roll around over dramatically or fake an injury to waste time or get a free kick

So to see her on the floor holding her hip was a sign that this was a real injury for her

Ella hissed in pain and Trent kissed her forehead, trying to distract her from the pain. "You'll have to come off, Vardy can come on for you," Matt said and they helped Ella up. Trent wrapped an arm around her waist and walked her off the pitch

She was taken down the tunnel to the medical room while the game continued.

David and Gary's minds didn't really focus on the final part of the game, and of course they were disappointed England ended up losing 2-0 but they both just decided to head down to the tunnel and into the medical room

"Hey," David smiled sadly at his daughter from the door of the room where she was lying on the bed, a scowl on her face "How is it?"

"Turns out I have a hip labral tear," she sighed "I'll be out for about 2 months,"

"Oh sweetheart," he said and sat next to her "I'm sorry,"

"It's fine," she shrugged "They said I can walk but should avoid being on my feet as much as possible,"

"You'll be back soon, I'm sure of it," Gary said "It's horrible your summer ended this way but you've been amazing every game and this is only the start of your career,"

"Thank you," Ella smiled

"Speaking of," He grinned "Did you see Maurizio Sarri was just appointed head coach of Chelsea?"

"Really?" Ella was shocked, Conte had only been sacked the day before and now he had been replaced already

"Yeah, and after lunch I got an email from him saying that he wants you to sign a new contract for the next 2 years," Gary explained and Ella's face brightened up "I'm guessing you want to sign it?"

"Yeah of course," Ella smiled

"I'll let him know," Gary smiled and headed out of the room, phone in hand. David helped Ella off the table, and kept his arm around her to support her weight to lead her to the England changing room