England striker Ivan Toney has called for Gareth Southgate to play two strikers for their Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland on Saturday.
The 28-year-old had a huge impact off the bench in the last 16 win against Slovakia, providing the assist for captain Harry Kane’s winner in extra time.
It is the first time Toney has featured on the pitch at the tournament, and his involvement has prompted many fans to call for his name on the teamsheet for the quarter-finals.
Toney was on media duties ahead of the match and admitted he would like to play alongside Kane, but ultimately accepted it is not his decision.
He said: “I am not the manager. I would like to be playing as a two, but that is up to the gaffer so you have to respect that.
“If I am asked to play – in a one or a two – I will do my best for the squad.
🗣️ “I’d like to be playing as a two!”
👀 Should England go with Harry Kane and Ivan Toney as a front two against Switzerland?
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— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 3, 2024
“It’s always going to be tough, it’s tough for all of us as we play week out for our clubs.
“I have been in this position before and when I get an opportunity I’ll take it.
“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me too much, or put their arms around me.
“I’m a grown man. I’m here now, representing my country, that’s all I can look forward to.”
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Kane has scored twice so far at Euro 2024, meaning it is unlikely he will be displaced by Toney.
The Brentford man was back amongst the goals following his return from a betting ban earlier in the year, scoring four times in the Premier League and providing two assists.
England’s squad is full of talent, and the Three Lions have been reaping the rewards of their changes late on in games.
Work mode 🔛 pic.twitter.com/XsZ1QrgL9n
— England (@England) July 3, 2024
Toney is aware that is his role for this particular tournament and says he is ready to deliver when called upon.
He added: “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.
“We know the next role. You see towards the end of the game there were a lot of attacking players on the pitch and we had to shuffle everyone about, players playing in positions they don’t usually play.
“But the quality of players we have are capable of doing that.”
England face Switzerland on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals against either the Netherlands or Turkey.
