Ivan Toney admits he was “annoyed” at being brought on during injury time against Slovakia, but insists he will “take my opportunity when I get it”.
England striker Toney was sent on for his first appearance of Euro 2024 in the final seconds of the round of 16 match with the Three Lions trailing 1-0.
Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick took the game to extra time, before Toney provided the headed assist for Harry Kane’s winner.
England manager Gareth Southgate said afterwards that Toney was “disgusted” at being introduced with a minute to go, but the player himself says he is ready to play any part at the Euros.
“It’s always going to be tough,” he said at a media conference on Wednesday when asked about his lack of minutes in Germany.
“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 is an automatic starter when fit for Brentford, but has to play second fiddle to Kane for England in Southgate’s one-striker system.
The 28-year-old admits that can be frustrating, but he has worked with sports psychologists at his club to ensure he is ready for his country at any moment.
“At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caufield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions,” Toney said.
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“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.”
Toney and England are preparing to face Switzerland in their quarter-final on Saturday in Dusseldorf at 17.00 BST.
Originally defender Luke Shaw had been due to face the media, but was replaced by Toney at the last minute as the left-back tries to regain fitness and face the Swiss for his first appearance at Euro 2024 after injury.
BBC