England expedition, finally the 7th day.

I had breakfast after morning exercises today and took a 2 and a half hour bus ride to the training ground of Middlesbrough FC.

Middlesbrough FC also uses the same facility for both the first team and the academy, with 7 natural grass pitches for the first team, 2 natural grass pitches and 2 artificial turf pitches for the academy, and also an indoor training facility.

The Middleborough FC, which we will be facing this time, has players from the England national team and is the strongest team in this expedition.
In the pre-match meeting, Coach Nakamura said, "Just like the Burnley match yesterday, this is an important game for the T-League and the Prince League. The opponent is also a fantastic team, so let's give it our all and definitely win."

The opponent in the first half was a team composed of U-19 members, and they had a very high level of physicality, speed, and skills. There were moments where we faced a sudden pinch due to small mistakes.
However, Tokyo also managed to steal the ball with a coordinated defense, and somehow managed to endure the first half without conceding any goals.

At halftime, Coach Nakamura confirmed the press back and the passes that connect to the attack, and sent the players onto the pitch, saying "It will be important in the future whether we can win this kind of game. Let's fight until the end and win."

The opponent changed their members all at once in the second half and challenged with the U-18 members.
After the start of the second half, we were suddenly attacked, but we managed to hold on, mainly focusing on the defense line. Tokyo also tried to counterattack by winning the ball in the midfield and using short passes, but they couldn't connect the final pass accurately and score.

From the middle of the second half, due to the higher grade opponents from the first half, the load increased and the play gradually slowed down, resulting in a continuous period of being pushed back.
However, they all shouted together and defended with their bodies until the end, and the game ended with a scoreless draw.
Although we couldn't score, it was a big confidence boost that we were able to defend until the end with concentration.

After the match, we had a meal at the Middlesbrough FC clubhouse and exchanged commemorative gifts.
During that time, Tony Pulis, the manager of Middlesbrough FC's first team, came to greet us and we took a commemorative photo together.

Finally, we presented uniforms to the chefs who treated us to delicious meals and took commemorative photos, then returned to the hotel.
Upon returning to the hotel, we said goodbye to Tony-san, who had been driving the team bus since the first day. He provided us with various information while driving the bus and also supported us closely during the matches. He especially mentioned that he loves Tanida's play.
I'm glad I was able to meet a really good driver.

England's last dinner was fish and chips! We enjoyed country food.

After dinner, the final meeting of the expedition.
I confirmed the good and bad things while looking back on today's game.
The coach also said, "As the past five games have shown, the team has been coming together and reducing goals conceded as we continue to play in England. It was good for the team to hold on and keep a clean sheet in such a tough time like today."

And finally, we took a commemorative photo with the hotel staff and concluded the 7th day.

Tomorrow we will depart at 4 am and head to Manchester International Airport.
Make sure to prepare well and return without forgetting anything.