Ivan Toney expressed disappointment when Gareth Southgate brought him on in the 94th minute during England’s match against Slovakia at Euro 2024. Despite the late substitution, Toney made a notable impact as England narrowly advanced to the quarter-finals.
Ivan Toney played a crucial role in England’s dramatic comeback against Slovakia at Euro 2024.
He contributed to Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute equalizer from a long throw and assisted Harry Kane for the extra-time winner, helping England secure a 2-1 victory in Gelsenkirchen.
Reflecting on the match, Gareth Southgate expressed confidence that despite the tense moments, he never doubted England’s ability to continue in the tournament.
“Even with the long throw you felt there was hope and we can cause some chaos and something might drop. I didn’t think the finish would be quite as it was.
Ivan Toney
“Ivan Toney was pretty disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go. I think we have made up now. But he has had a big impact in the second goal.
“You put a sub on at that time then it is a last throw of the dice and he maybe does not even touch the ball, so I completely understand it. I do not like putting a player in that position but I just had a feeling he might be able to cause the bit of chaos that happened.”
England struggled once more against Slovakia, and their progression was saved by a moment of brilliance from Jude Bellingham, preventing a potential humiliating exit from Euro 2024. Southgate said:
“It is one of those classic England nights where we put everyone through the mill.
“They are a good team. It took us a long time for us to work out how to get through their pressure and of course you have got to be patient to do that. There is anxiety in the stadium when you are behind. Second half we did that better and we kept being patient.
Ivan Toney
“In the end we were relying on a long throw to be the moment. But when you have pushed as much as you have and the opponents are out on their feet, those moments can happen. You have got to keep the belief.”
On Bellingham’s goal, Southgate said:
“That is him. You are thinking with 15 minutes to go he is absolutely out on his feet and should we take him off and put some fresh legs on. But you know the sort of impact he can have on a game. Those moments are why you stick with him.
“The top players affect the big games at the moments you need them. It is that mentality he has.”
