Euro 2024: Ivan Toney frustrated by lack of minutes for England ahead of quarters – ‘It's always going to be tough’
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Published 03/07/2024 at 21:37 GMT+1
England manager Gareth Southgate waited until there was one minute left on the clock before introducing striker Ivan Toney while trailing 1-0 to Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Toney admitted he was "annoyed" by the situation and finds his lack of game time in Germany "tough", but insists "there are more than 11 players needed to win a tournament" ahead of a quarter-final with Switzerland.
‘You want a bit more than that’ – Toney admits lack of game time frustration
Video credit: SNTV
Ivan Toney admits he was “annoyed” to be brought on so late in England’s Euro 2024 win over Slovakia, but says the Three Lions will be “ready for the fight” against Switzerland.
The Brentford striker was introduced in stoppage-time of the last 16 tie with England trailing 1-0, before Jude Bellingham’s sensational last-gasp bicycle kick equaliser sent the game to extra-time.
It was Toney’s first appearance at the tournament and Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate admitted afterwards that he had been “disgusted" at coming on with one minute left.
Toney ultimately made an impact, providing the assist for Harry Kane’s winner early in extra-time to set up a quarter-final tie against the Swiss, but he was honest about finding his lack of minutes difficult.
"It's always going to be tough," he said of his lack of game time in Germany.
"It's tough for all of us as we play week in, week out for our clubs. I have been in this position before and when I get an opportunity I'll take it."
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'Nice to throw it back' - Bellingham hits back at 'rubbish' criticism
Video credit: SNTV
Toney continued: "At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caufield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions.
"Yes, I was annoyed, but there were still 30 minutes of football to play [including extra-time] and you have got to come out of that mood and focus.
"I feel like people call them substitutes, others finishers. I think you have to be ready and there are more than 11 players needed to win a tournament."
Toney’s lack of game time has not been helped by England’s one-striker system, with captain Kane leading the line in every game so far.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins came off the bench in the 1-1 group stage draw against Denmark and provides more competition for minutes.
Toney admitted he would prefer to play in a two-striker system for the national team.
"I am not the manager. I would like to be playing as a two, but that is up to the gaffer so you have to respect that,” he said.
“If I am asked to play - in a one or a two - I will do my best for the squad."
Switzerland will be a 'tough game'
Next up for England is a quarter-final clash with an impressive Swiss team that brushed aside defending champions Italy in the last round with a 2-0 win.
Switzerland also beat Hungary, drew with Scotland and held hosts Germany in the group stage, and Toney is expecting a big challenge.
“It's going to be a tough game, there are some quality players,” he said.
“They are a great side and doing well in the tournament so far. Full respect to them. We just concentrate on ourselves, concentrate on what we can do best.
"Hopefully the [England] players are more than enough to win the game. Every game is a battle. We just have to be up for the test, ready to work hard and be ready for the fight that the Swiss will put up."
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Shaqiri's goal better than Bellingham's, says Swiss forward Duah
Video credit: SNTV
England have failed to impress with their performances so far in Germany, drawing plenty of criticism back home.
But Toney brushed off the negativity as he focuses on what lies ahead.
“There is always going to be expectation, there are a lot of people who are going to have their opinion,” he said.
“They are entitled to it, but if we win 2-0, people will say we should have won 3-0, 4-0. That is always the case.
"We are two games away from a major final and we just have to do what we can do and hopefully it will be enough."
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