Just four years ago Ivan Toney was banging goals in for Peterborough United. Many could see his start rising, maybe only he could see just how high and bright it would really go.
Now though, with England gearing up to play Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, the once Posh striker, now at Brentford, has expressed his frustration of the lack of game time for the national side at the tournament.
The 28-year-old scored 40 goals for Peterborough during his time there between 2018 and 2020. At a press conference today though he said he was “annoyed” but vowed to “take my opportunity when I get it”.
We have all seen the dramatic scenes after his late introduction in the game against Slovakia, and his headed assist for the winner early in extra time has perhaps put him in manager Gareth Southgate’s thoughts for an earlier introduction, or even a total reshaping of the forward line to accommodate the striker.
Ivan Toney's impact against Slovakia 🔢 pic.twitter.com/nQvuJAnyOq
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 1, 2024
“It’s always going to be tough. 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.
“At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caufield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions.” He told the amassed media, and reported by the BBC.
“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. 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.”
Writer’s View
Ivan Toney will always wear his heart on his sleeve. Take that away and he will be less of a player. His short cameo off the bench for England did change the game, or at least gave a new dimension to the attacking line.
This could be the spark that Southgate needs as for whatever reason the team has not flowed freely in attack and has relied on moments of genius to get to this stage. Peterborough fans know all too well the impact he can have and will be hoping their former striker can lead the nation to glory in the coming days.
