Gareth Southgate hopeful Ivan Toney can make most of chance against Belgium
England manager Gareth Southgate hopes Ivan Toney will grab his big chance to prove his Euro 2024 credentials against Belgium.
The place as Harry Kane’s back-up in Germany is up for grabs after Dominic Calvert-Lewin filled that role at the last Euros and then Callum Wilson did at the World Cup 15 months ago.
This time it looks a straight shootout between Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Toney, with the former playing the full 90 minutes as he won his 10th cap against Brazil.
Toney watched Saturday’s 1-0 loss from the bench and will get his chance against Belgium on Tuesday.
Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins could be fighting for one spot at Euro 2024
The 28-year-old’s only cap to date came as a substitute against Ukraine this time last year and he is looking to make up for lost time having returned from an eight-month Football Association betting ban in January.
Asked how big an opportunity Tuesday could be for Toney, Southgate said: “You can’t hide that fact. He knows.
“It would be his first start, so you’ve got to bear that in mind as well.
“But with England that’s the landscape, you don’t get hundreds of opportunities. I think every player recognises that’s the world we live in.
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Southgate says Toney’s quality from the penalty spot is “definitely a great asset to have”, as well as highlighting his confidence and sometimes underappreciated all-round game.
“That swagger, that self-belief is crucial – all of the top forward players have it,” the England boss said.
“I think sometimes the quality of his football can be underestimated.
Ivan Toney will have a chance to stake his claim on Tuesday
“His passing, his link play. We’re still getting to know all of those strengths because
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