"I put him on with a minute to go" - Gareth Southgate claims England star was 'disgusted' by his late substitution in Euro 2024 win over Slovakia
England manager Gareth Southgate has stated that Ivan Toney was "disgusted" at his decision to bring him on in the 90+4th minute during their Round of 16 fixture against Slovakia. The Brentford striker was subbed on as a last-ditch option, with England trailing 1-0 and went on to play a significant role in the Three Lions' 2-1 win.
Jude Bellingham scored the equaliser in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to send the tie into extra time. Toney proved decisive in the additional period, providing the assist for Harry Kane to score the winner just after the restart (91').
Southgate claimed that the striker was not pleased about being brought on so late, telling ITV after the game:
“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. "
The England manager added:
“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.”
Despite a shaky performance, England have made it through to the quarterfinals, where they will face Switzerland on Saturday, July 6, in Dusseldorf.
"I never felt tonight would be the end of our tournament" - Gareth Southgate after incredible comeback win over Slovakia in Euro 2024
England manager Gareth Southgate claimed that he never lost faith in his side to find a way back into their Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia. The Three Lions had struggled to break Slovakia down after Ivan Schranz's 25th-minute strike gave the Falcons the lead.
Southgate talked about the long throw which led to England's equaliser, stating that he believed the team could cause chaos from the situation. However, the manager added that he didn't expect the acrobatic bicycle kick with which Jude Bellingham leveled the scores. Southgate told ITV:
“It is strange but I never felt tonight would be the end of our 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."
The English tactician added:
“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.”
The Three Lions have looked lackluster throughout Euro 2024 despite being touted as favorites to win the tournament, and will be hoping to turn it up in the quarterfinals.