By Ivan Toney has admitted feeling frustrated with England manager Gareth Southgate after being brought on as a 94th-minute substitute in the team’s Euro 2024 win over Slovakia. England was on the verge of elimination when Toney was introduced, but Jude Bellingham’s dramatic equalizer pushed the match into extra time.
Toney played a pivotal role in the subsequent period, providing the assist for Harry Kane’s winning goal. Southgate humorously remarked after the match that Toney was “disgusted” with his late substitution.
Reflecting on how he reconciled with the manager, Toney, who is now vying for a spot in the quarter-final match against Switzerland on Saturday, said, “By winning!”
He continued, “Every player gets frustrated when they’re not playing, especially with just a minute left. Thankfully, we got the equalizer, and I had to shake off my mood and focus on the game. I managed to contribute to Harry’s goal.”
Toney emphasized the importance of emotional control, saying, “I have someone who always talks about controlling your emotions. In that moment, it was crucial to manage my feelings. I was annoyed, but with 30 minutes of football still to play, I had to refocus.”
His ability to overcome his frustration and make a significant impact highlights his professionalism and commitment to the team’s success.
