England striker Ivan Toney has expressed frustration over his limited playing time at Euro 2024, despite making a crucial impact in England’s dramatic round of 16 victory over Slovakia. Toney, who was introduced in stoppage time during the match against Slovakia, played a pivotal role by providing the headed assist for Harry Kane’s winning goal
The post Euro 2024: Ivan Toney ‘annoyed’ at lack of game time first appeared on 3News.
England striker Ivan Toney has expressed frustration over his limited playing time at Euro 2024, despite making a crucial impact in England’s dramatic round of 16 victory over Slovakia.
Toney, who was introduced in stoppage time during the match against Slovakia, played a pivotal role by providing the headed assist for Harry Kane’s winning goal in extra time.
However, the Brentford forward admitted feeling “annoyed” at his late introduction, given the importance of seizing opportunities at such a high-stakes tournament.
“It’s always going to be tough,” Toney acknowledged at a media conference on Wednesday. “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.”
England manager Gareth Southgate had previously noted that Toney was “disgusted” at his late cameo appearance against Slovakia. Despite these sentiments, Toney emphasized his readiness to contribute whenever called upon, highlighting the mental preparation he undergoes with sports psychologists at Brentford.
“At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caufield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions,” Toney explained. “Yes, I was annoyed but there was still 30 minutes of football to play [including extra-time] and you have got to come out of that mood and focus.”
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The 28-year-old forward, who is a regular starter for Brentford but plays second fiddle to Harry Kane in England’s system, acknowledged the challenges of his role but stressed the importance of squad depth in tournament football.
“I feel like, people call them substitutes, others finishers. I think you have to be ready and there’s more than 11 players needed to win a tournament,” Toney added.
England, now gearing up for a quarter-final clash against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday, will rely on Toney’s preparedness and determination as they seek to advance further in Euro 2024.
The post Euro 2024: Ivan Toney ‘annoyed’ at lack of game time first appeared on 3News.
