Ivan Toney, the 28-year-old English striker, has expressed his focus on England’s Euro 2024 hopes rather than his uncertain future at club level. Despite being widely expected to leave Brentford this summer, Toney has remained steadfast in his commitment to the national team.Ivan Toney, the 28-year-old English striker, has expressed his focus on England’s Euro 2024 hopes rather than his uncertain future at club level. Despite being widely expected to leave Brentford this summer, Toney has remained steadfast in his commitment to the national team. Toney’s future at Brentford has been the subject of speculation, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank stating that the club has prepared for his departure by signing Igor Thiago. However, Toney has downplayed these rumors, emphasizing that he is not in control of the situation and his focus is on performing well for England. Currently, Toney and Ollie Watkins serve as backup options to England captain Harry Kane. While Watkins has seen some playing time, Toney is yet to feature in the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament. Despite this, Toney maintains a positive attitude, acknowledging the need to stay prepared for any opportunity. Toney also revealed that he has not sought reassurance from Gareth Southgate regarding his playing time. He understands the manager’s responsibility to select the best team and is committed to supporting the squad’s success. Overall, Toney’s comments demonstrate his professionalism and dedication to the England team. While his club future remains uncertain, he has chosen to focus on his immediate task of contributing to England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Ivan Toney insists he is more focused on England’s Euro 2024 hopes than his own future.
The 28-year-old is widely expected to leave Brentford this summer and has been linked with a host of other Premier League sides.
Toney had returned from an eight-month ban for breaching Football Association gambling rules and did enough to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
England’s Ivan Toney and Joe Gomez during training at the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land during Euro 2024. (Adam Davy/PA)
Brentford boss Thomas Frank was asked about Toney’s future while working as a pundit for BBC Sport and said the club has “prepared” for the striker’s departure by signing Igor Thiago from Club Brugge.
When Franks’ comments were put to Toney at England’s Blankenhain training base on Sunday, he replied: “I didn’t hear him say that!
“I can’t predict the future and if I could, I wouldn’t be sitting here in front of you. What will be will be and my main focus is to play well and do well for my country.
“I’ve experienced it before (transfer speculation). There’s been a lot of talk in my career about me going here, there and everywhere, and I just don’t let outside noise influence me.
“I’m here now with England and the main focus is that England is doing well and whatever happens, happens. I can’t control it.
“From the age of 18 when I was going to go to Wolves and I was all excited and got involved, it didn’t happen anymore, it hurt me.
“So since then I thought, ‘Why am I trying to take control of things if I don’t need that pressure?’ I just let the people who take care of those things do it and I concentrate on the field.”
Toney and Ollie Watkins are the back-up options for England captain and all-time top scorer Harry Kane this summer.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank (right) and Ivan Toney at the end of the Premier League match at Bournemouth. (Andrew Matthews/PA)
But while Watkins was given 20 minutes off the bench in place of the captain during the 1-1 draw against Denmark, Toney had to remain patient.
“It’s difficult,” he said of the right mentality you need to start games knowing he’s unlikely to start.
“Almost everyone on the team starts at their club and there is a way to adjust to being a sub or an idle sub. It’s tough, but you have to stay ready, be ready for it.
“There have been times when I’ve done it earlier in my career, when I went to Peterborough and didn’t play and was on the bench. When my opportunity came I took it and hopefully I can do the same if I get the chance here.
“Anything can happen in football. Things can change. You just have to be ready for it.”
England’s Ollie Watkins replaces teammate Harry Kane during the Euro 2024 match against Denmark. (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Toney also revealed he has not put an arm around Southgate’s shoulder as he waits for his chance.
“I spoke to him before I came here and I’m the type of player who doesn’t really want reassurance,” he added.
“He has 25 other players. We are all adults, we are all football players. Sometimes you start, sometimes you are not used at all. You have to get your head around it.
“The most important thing is that the manager’s job is to make sure that the whole team is ready to win the match, so you don’t have to sulk if you don’t play. The gaffer knows best.”
