Toney Vows to Seize Opportunities After Frustrating Euro 2024 Cameo

• Ivan Toney admitted he was “annoyed” at his limited playing time during England’s Euro 2024 match against Slovakia.
• Toney was introduced as a late substitute in the final minutes of the match, but went on to assist Harry Kane’s winning goal in extra time.
• Despite his frustration, Toney emphasized his readiness to contribute whenever called upon, highlighting the mental preparation he undergoes with sports psychologists at his club Brentford.

Newsypeople- Despite being “displeased” at being brought on as a late replacement against Slovakia, England striker Ivan Toney has pledged to capitalize on any opportunity that arises at Euro 2024.

Toney, who made his initial appearance of the tournament in the closing moments of the round of 16 match, played a crucial part in England’s dramatic comeback victory. The Brentford forward provided the headed assist for Harry Kane’s winning goal in extra time, helping the Three Lions secure a quarter-final berth against Switzerland.

While England manager Gareth Southgate acknowledged Toney’s frustration at the late substitution, the player himself has emphasized his preparedness to contribute whenever summoned.

“It’s always going to be challenging,” Toney stated at a media conference on Wednesday.

“It’s challenging 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 seize it.”

The 28-year-old, who is an automatic starter for his club, has had to adapt to a backup role behind England captain Kane in Southgate’s preferred one-striker system.

However, Toney has worked closely with sports psychologists at Brentford to ensure he maintains a positive mindset and remains focused, even when faced with limited playing time at the Euros.

“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 displeased 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.”

Toney’s unwavering commitment and adaptability have not gone unnoticed. Former England striker Alan Shearer has stressed the importance of players like Toney stepping up and making an impact, especially at this critical stage of the tournament.

As England prepare to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, Toney’s ability to contribute as an impact substitute could prove invaluable. The forward’s remarkable penalty record, having scored 30 of the 32 he has taken in his career, could also be a crucial asset if the match goes to a shootout.

Toney’s determination to make the most of his opportunities, coupled with his mental resilience, exemplifies the collective effort required to succeed in a major tournament like the Euros. With the quarter-final clash against Switzerland looming, the England striker is ready to seize his chance and play a pivotal role in his team’s pursuit of glory.

See the news below…

"I was annoyed" 😅

Ivan Toney has set the record straight after Gareth Southgate admitted the England striker was "disgusted" at the timing of his substitution against Slovakia 🔁https://t.co/WZyaHVQScg pic.twitter.com/e3WlmsHzPu

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 3, 2024

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