At three-forty the opposition launched a counter-attack down England's left side after winning the ball in midfield, and Demien was supposed to track the overlapping fullback but his recovery run started half a second too late—just enough delay that the cross came in dangerous and low, and only excellent defending from Harvey Keane prevented a tap-in at the back post.
"WALTER!" Simon's voice carried frustration now rather than instruction. "That's your man! You have to track him faster! No holidays on the wing!"
Demien bent over with hands on his knees breathing hard, and the accumulation of fatigue from Sunday plus the unfamiliar demands of the winger role were making everything feel harder than it should, and doubt was creeping in about whether he belonged at this level.
Leo Merrick jogged past and tapped his shoulder without breaking stride, and his voice carried genuine encouragement.
"Keep your head up, mate. It's a learning week."
