Ivan Toney Shares Eagerness And Frustration Ahead Of England's Euro 2024 Matches

Ivan Toney remains optimistic about seizing his chance with England at Euro 2024, despite frustrations over limited playing time in Germany. The Brentford striker entered the match against Slovakia in the last 16 with just a minute of regular time left. Jude Bellingham's spectacular overhead kick had forced extra time in Gelsenkirchen.

Toney contributed to Harry Kane's winning goal just 50 seconds into extra time, marking the fastest such goal in Euros history. He assisted with a clever flick-on after Eberechi Eze's mishit volley. This was Toney's first appearance at the tournament and his debut at a major competition. Gareth Southgate acknowledged that Toney was unhappy with his late introduction.

"It's always going to be tough," Toney said during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, three days before England faces Switzerland in the quarter-finals. "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."

Toney indeed made the most of his opportunity against Slovakia, managing 22 touches in just 30 minutes, only six fewer than Kane, who played 105 minutes. Having enjoyed a prolonged spell as Thomas Frank's first-choice striker at Brentford, Toney admits he is still adjusting to playing a supporting role to Kane.

"At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caufield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions," the 28-year-old added. "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."

Toney emphasised the importance of being ready as a substitute or finisher. "I feel like people call them substitutes; others call them finishers. I think you have to be ready and there's more than 11 players needed to win a tournament."

Preparation for Potential Penalty Shootouts

Southgate and Toney smoothed their relationship by winning, the current England international joked in front of the media. The England manager may still need to call upon Toney on Saturday if penalties are required to settle an enticing last-eight meeting with Switzerland.

"If I score, I score. If I miss, I miss," he said. "You have to step up and you have to have the courage to take a penalty. For those who racially abused a player for missing a penalty, more fool them."

Toney's confidence and readiness will be crucial as England progresses through Euro 2024. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure could make all the difference for his team.