Ivan Toney’s journey to Euro 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. The Brentford striker has risen through the ranks of English football, overcoming challenges and setbacks to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific goalscorers. As the tournament approaches, all eyes are on Toney as he vies for a coveted spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. This blog post delves into Toney’s prospects for Euro 2024, examining his form, competition, and potential impact on the national team.
Ivan Toney’s Form and Impact: A Key Factor for England’s Euro 2024 Hopes
Prolific Goalscoring Record
Ivan Toney’s goalscoring prowess has been a standout feature of his career, particularly in recent seasons. Since joining Brentford in 2020, Toney has consistently found the back of the net, breaking records and attracting attention from top clubs and national team selectors alike. His ability to score from various positions and situations makes him a valuable asset for any team.
In the 2022/23 Premier League season, Toney netted an impressive 20 goals in 33 appearances, showcasing his clinical finishing and positioning. This tally placed him among the league’s top scorers, competing with established stars and proving his worth at the highest level of English football.
Penalty Expertise
One of Toney’s most remarkable attributes is his exceptional penalty-taking ability. With a career record of 30 successful conversions out of 32 attempts, Toney has established himself as one of the most reliable spot-kick takers in world football. This skill could prove invaluable for England in high-pressure tournament situations, particularly in knockout stages where penalties often decide matches.
Toney’s composure and technique from 12 yards out have become his trademark, with goalkeepers often left helpless despite knowing his preferred side. This mental strength and ability to perform under pressure make him an attractive option for Gareth Southgate when considering his Euro 2024 squad.
All-Round Contribution
While Toney’s goalscoring exploits grab the headlines, his overall contribution to team play should not be overlooked. His hold-up play, aerial ability, and link-up skills make him a focal point in attack, capable of bringing teammates into the game and creating chances for others.
In the 2022/23 season, Toney also provided 4 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute beyond just scoring goals. His physical presence and work rate off the ball make him a handful for defenders, often creating space and opportunities for his teammates to exploit.
The Competition for Striker Spots: Toney’s Rivals for a Euro 2024 Place
Established Stars: Kane and Rashford
The competition for striker positions in the England squad is fierce, with several world-class options available to Gareth Southgate. Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading goalscorer, remains the first-choice striker and captain. His experience, leadership, and consistent performance at the highest level make him an automatic selection when fit.
Marcus Rashford, while often deployed in wide areas, has also proven effective as a central striker. His pace, directness, and ability to score crucial goals in big matches make him a versatile option for Southgate. Rashford’s form for Manchester United and previous tournament experience give him an edge in the selection process.
Emerging Talents: Greenwood and Watkins
Mason Greenwood’s return to football and impressive form for Manchester United have thrust him back into contention for an England place. His natural finishing ability and potential to develop into a world-class striker make him a strong contender for Euro 2024.
Ollie Watkins has also staked his claim for inclusion with consistent performances for Aston Villa. His work rate, movement, and improving goal record have caught the eye of many, including Southgate. Watkins’ ability to press from the front and contribute to build-up play aligns well with England’s tactical approach.
The Wildcard: Tammy Abraham
Despite a challenging spell at Roma, Tammy Abraham remains in the conversation for England selection. His previous Premier League experience and ability to impact games as a substitute make him an interesting option for Southgate. Abraham’s aerial presence and poaching instincts offer a different dimension to England’s attack.
Gareth Southgate’s Tactical Considerations: How Toney Fits into England’s Plans
System Flexibility
Gareth Southgate has shown a willingness to adapt his tactical setup based on the opposition and available personnel. Toney’s versatility allows him to fit into various systems, whether as a lone striker in a 4-3-3 formation or as part of a front two in a 3-5-2.
Toney’s ability to hold up play and bring others into the game makes him suitable for a counter-attacking style, where his physical presence can help relieve pressure and initiate attacks. Alternatively, his penalty box prowess and aerial ability make him a threat in a more possession-based approach, where he can thrive on crosses and through balls.
Impact Substitute Role
While Toney will undoubtedly be aiming for a starting position, his potential impact as a substitute should not be underestimated. His late introduction against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 group stage, albeit brief, showcased his ability to influence games in crucial moments.
Southgate may view Toney as a valuable option off the bench, capable of changing the dynamics of a match with his physicality, aerial threat, and clinical finishing. This role could be particularly important in tight knockout games where a moment of magic or a well-taken penalty could make all the difference.
Set-Piece Threat
England’s success in recent tournaments has been partly built on their effectiveness from set-pieces. Toney’s height, strength, and aerial ability make him a significant threat from corners and free-kicks. His presence in the box can create havoc for opposition defenses, either by scoring directly or creating opportunities for teammates.
Southgate may see Toney’s set-piece prowess as a key asset, particularly in games where England might struggle to break down well-organized defenses through open play. The ability to score from dead-ball situations can be crucial in tournament football, and Toney offers a unique skill set in this regard.
Beyond the Goals: Toney’s All-Round Contribution to England’s Success
Leadership and Mentality
Despite being relatively new to the international scene, Toney has already demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong mentality. His confidence in high-pressure situations, particularly when taking penalties, is a valuable asset for any team.
Toney’s journey through the lower leagues and his rise to Premier League stardom have instilled a hunger and determination that can inspire teammates. His ability to overcome setbacks and continually improve sets a positive example for the squad.
Link-Up Play and Creativity
While primarily known for his goalscoring, Toney’s link-up play and creative abilities should not be overlooked. His vision and passing range allow him to drop deep and create chances for onrushing midfielders and wingers.
This aspect of Toney’s game could be particularly useful in breaking down stubborn defenses, where his ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play can create space and opportunities. His intelligent movement off the ball also helps to stretch defenses, creating pockets of space for teammates to exploit.
Defensive Contribution
In modern football, strikers are often the first line of defense, and Toney’s work rate off the ball is a significant asset. His ability to press opponents, track back, and contribute defensively from set-pieces adds another dimension to his game.
Southgate values players who can contribute in all phases of play, and Toney’s willingness to put in the hard yards defensively could be a deciding factor in his selection for Euro 2024.
Euro 2024 a Turning Point: Toney’s Opportunity to Stake His Claim for the Future
Building on International Experience
While Toney’s international experience is limited compared to some of his competitors, Euro 2024 presents an opportunity to establish himself as a key figure in the England setup. Each appearance, whether as a starter or substitute, is a chance to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage.
Toney’s brief cameo against Slovakia, where he provided an assist for Harry Kane’s winner, demonstrated his ability to make an impact even with limited time on the pitch. Building on this experience and translating his club form to the international arena will be crucial for his long-term England prospects.
Adapting to Tournament Football
The demands of tournament football are unique, requiring players to maintain form and fitness over an intense period while adapting to different opponents and tactical setups. Toney’s mental strength and physical attributes make him well-suited to these challenges.
His ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his penalty record, could be a valuable asset in the high-stakes environment of a major tournament. Toney’s composure and confidence in such situations align well with the mentality required to succeed at the highest level of international football.
Long-Term England Prospects
Euro 2024 could be a pivotal moment in Toney’s international career. A strong performance at the tournament would not only cement his place in the current squad but also position him as a potential long-term successor to Harry Kane as England’s leading striker.
At 28 years old, Toney is entering his prime years as a footballer. A successful Euro 2024 campaign could set him up for a prolonged international career, potentially including the 2026 World Cup and beyond. His unique skill set and proven Premier League record make him a strong candidate to lead England’s attack in the coming years.
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Conclusion
Ivan Toney’s journey to Euro 2024 embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination that defines many great footballers. From his early struggles in the lower leagues to becoming one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers, Toney has consistently defied expectations and risen to new challenges.
As Euro 2024 approaches, Toney finds himself on the cusp of greatness, with the opportunity to establish himself as a key figure in England’s national team. His goalscoring prowess, penalty expertise, and all-round contribution make him a valuable asset for Gareth Southgate’s squad.
While the competition for striker positions is fierce, Toney’s unique skill set and recent form put him in a strong position to make a significant impact at the tournament. Whether as a starter or impact substitute, his ability to change games and perform under pressure could prove crucial in England’s quest for European glory.
Ultimately, Euro 2024 represents more than just a tournament for Ivan Toney – it’s an opportunity to cement his place in England’s footballing future. With his talent, determination, and growing experience on the international stage, Toney has all the tools necessary to become a pivotal player for the Three Lions in the years to come.
As football fans eagerly anticipate the start of Euro 2024, all eyes will be on Ivan Toney as he seeks to transform his Premier League success into international stardom. The stage is set for Toney to write the next chapter in his remarkable football story, and the footballing world waits with bated breath to see if he can seize this golden opportunity.
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