Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and More
Ivan Toney Eager to Partner with Harry Kane for England
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has expressed his desire to form a formidable attacking duo with England captain Harry Kane. Toney, who has featured just once for the Three Lions at Euro 2024, made a significant impact in the closing stages of England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia.
Toney’s introduction in the final minutes of the match had an immediate effect, as his movement and decisive header set up Kane for the winning goal in extra time. The 28-year-old’s unique skill set, which includes both goal-scoring and creative abilities, has provided England boss Gareth Southgate with something to ponder ahead of the quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday.
“I’d like to be playing as a two, but obviously the manager’s choice is final, and we have to respect that,” Toney said during his press conference on Wednesday. “If I’m asked to play, whether that’s a one or a two, then I’ll do my best for the squad.”
Southgate has faced criticism for not making key changes to his starting lineup, with England often persisting with players who appear fatigued or out of form. Toney was one of the impact players waiting in the wings, and his late introduction against Slovakia did not go down well with the striker.
“I’m putting him on with a minute to go – any player is going to think ‘I’ve been sat for the tournament and you’ve not used me,’ but what I said to him was that ‘I know this isn’t a good time and I know it’s not how you’d like it, but there could be one moment,'” Southgate said after the match.
Toney acknowledged the challenge of playing a bit-part role for England, despite being a key player for his club side Brentford. However, he remains determined to seize his opportunities when they arise, as he did against Slovakia by contributing to Kane’s winning goal.
As the Three Lions prepare for their quarter-final showdown against Switzerland, the prospect of a Toney-Kane partnership up front could provide a dynamic attacking threat that could unlock the Swiss defense and propel England closer to the coveted Euro 2024 title.
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