Euro 2024: England Star Makes ‘Annoying’ Admission Under Gareth Southgate Ahead of Quarterfinal Tie

• England striker, Ivan Toney, has opened up on his innermost feelings during his side's comeback win against Slovakia
• The 28-year-old was introduced into the game on the brink of stoppage time, which he openly admitted he was annoyed
• He would hope for more minutes when the Three Lions face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 5

Ivan Toney has candidly expressed his frustration with his limited playing time for England at the 2024 European Championship.

The Brentford striker made his tournament debut in the match against Slovakia, where the Three Lions staged a dramatic comeback to win after extra time.

Toney was brought on during stoppage time in the Round of 16 tie, just before Jude Bellingham's bicycle kick equalized the score.

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He then set up Harry Kane for the winning goal in the first minute of extra time, as noted by beIN Sports.

After the match, which secured England's place in the quarter-finals, manager Gareth Southgate lightheartedly mentioned that the 28-year-old was displeased with being introduced so late in the game.

Discussing his game time at the Euros, Toney maintained a positive outlook on his reduced role but made it clear he intends to seize any opportunity presented to him.

"It's always going to be tough," he remarked, as quoted by SportBIBLE.

"It's tough for all of us as we play week in, week out for our clubs. I have been in this position before, and when I get an opportunity, I'll take it."

Toney opens up on being annoyed

The Northampton-born forward emphasised the importance of controlling emotions in football, crediting sports psychologist Michael Caufield for the invaluable advice.

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Despite being annoyed during the Slovakia game, Toney noted that winning a tournament requires contributions from more than just the starting eleven.

"Yes, I was annoyed but there was still 30 minutes of football to play [including extra-time] and you have got to come out of that mood and focus.

"I feel like people call them substitutes, others finishers. I think you have to be ready, and there's more than 11 players needed to win a tournament."

Mbappe stunned by England's scoreline vs Slovakia

Sports Brief also reported that Kylian Mbappe was astonished when he learned of England's score against Slovakia just before their comeback began.

Slovakia took an unexpected lead in the 25th minute through Ivan Schranz and maintained it until the final moments of the second half.

Jude Bellingham equalized in the 95th minute with a stunning bicycle kick, crushing Slovakia's hopes of a deserved upset.