The Brentford striker, Ivan Toney, was brought on in stoppage-time during the last 16 tie when England was trailing 1-0. Jude Bellingham’s incredible last-gasp bicycle kick equalizer saved the game, sending it to extra-time. Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions manager, expressed his disgust at Toney’s minute-long appearance but praised his impact as he assisted Harry Kane’s winning goal early in extra-time, setting up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland. Despite the positive outcome, Toney acknowledged the challenge of his limited playing time, highlighting the difficulties of staying prepared when minutes on the field are scarce.
Reflecting on his experience, Toney mentioned Michael Caufield, a sports psychologist at his club who emphasizes the importance of controlling emotions in such situations. Toney spoke about the need for substitutes or “finishers” to be mentally prepared and focused, ready to contribute whenever the opportunity arises. The striker noted the preference for a two-striker system but respected the manager’s decisions, committing to giving his best regardless of the formation.
Looking ahead to the quarter-final against Switzerland, Toney recognized the strength of the opposition, praising their quality and success in the tournament so far. He emphasized the importance of self-focus, urging his teammates to concentrate on their strengths and capabilities to overcome the Swiss challenge. In a defiant response to critics back home, Toney brushed off the negativity, highlighting the team’s focus on the task at hand and the determination to progress further in the tournament.
As England faces criticism for their underwhelming performances in Germany, Toney remained unfazed, acknowledging the existence of high expectations and varied opinions from supporters. However, he remained focused on the team’s goal of reaching a major final, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and working towards achieving success on the field. Despite external pressures and scrutiny, Toney expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and determination to perform at their best in the upcoming matches.
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