- Ivan Toney is set for his first England start in Tuesday’s game against Belgium
- The Brentford striker has the chance to impress Southgate before the Euros
- England’s Euro 2004 team was incredible on paper but they didn’t win. Can this crop do it this summer? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Ivan Toney will be handed a Euro 2024 audition against Belgium on Tuesday night with the striker set for his first England start.
The Brentford star, who has recently retuned from his well-documented FA ban for breaching betting rules, is expected to lead the line for Gareth Southgate’s side at Wembley on Tuesday.
Toney has played once for England so far, coming on as a late substitute in last March’s 2-0 win over Ukraine.
But in the absence of the injured Harry Kane, the England head coach Gareth Southgate has revealed his intention to hand Toney his full debut against Belgium where a good performance could lock in the centre-forward’s place in the squad that flies to Germany this summer.
When asked whether Tuesday represents a big opportunity for the 28-year-old, Southgate responded: ‘You can’t hide that fact. He knows.
Ivan Toney is set to be handed his first England start in Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium
Gareth Southgate revealed the plan, which is an ideal audition for Toney’s place at Euro 2024
‘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. But he’s a confident guy, he comes in on the back of a good run of form with his club.
‘He’s going to be on the field on Tuesday, no question.
‘I like his confidence, it’s crucial. That swagger, that self-belief is crucial. All of the top forward players have it.
‘I think sometimes the quality of his football can be underestimated. His passing, his link play. We’re still getting to know all of those strengths because until you work with a player more regularly you don’t know them inside out.
Southgate has opted for Toney as the starter to replace Harry Kane (left), who is out injured
Toney has played once for England, coming on as a late substitute in 2023 win over Ukraine
‘You look at him being a big guy but he’s not just a target man. His quality in link play is very good as well.’
Toney’s excellent penalty record could also be a factor for Southgate given the prospect of penalty shoot-outs this summer.
And Southgate added: ‘It’s definitely a great asset to have. We’ve obviously got to work out the balance of the squad.’
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
