The lack of game time for Euro 2024 has Toney "annoyed."

Ivan Toney expressed his frustration at being brought on during injury time against Slovakia but remains determined to seize any opportunity. The England striker made his first Euro 2024 appearance in the final seconds of the round of 16 match, with the team down 1-0. Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick forced the game into extra time, where Toney headed an assist for Harry Kane’s winning goal. Despite England manager Gareth Southgate mentioning that Toney was “disgusted” by his late introduction, Toney insists he is prepared to contribute in any capacity at the Euros.

At a media conference on Wednesday, Ivan Toney acknowledged the challenges of limited playing time in Germany, saying, “It’s always going to be tough. 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, a regular starter for Brentford, often finds himself playing second to Harry Kane in Gareth Southgate’s one-striker system for England. The 28-year-old admits this can be frustrating but has been working with sports psychologists at his club to stay prepared for any opportunity with the national team.

“At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caulfield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions,” Toney said. “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.”

Toney emphasizes the importance of being ready, stating, “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.”

Toney and the England team are gearing up for their quarter-final match against Switzerland on Saturday in Dusseldorf at 17.00 BST. Originally, defender Luke Shaw was scheduled to speak to the media but was replaced by Toney as Shaw aims to regain fitness for his first Euro 2024 appearance following an injury.

Shearer: England's journey to Euro 2024 begins here.

Alan Shearer believes that England’s true journey to Euro 2024 kicks off now, following their thrilling round of 16 victory against Slovakia. The former England striker stresses the importance of focus and determination as the team heads into the quarter-finals.

“The win against Slovakia was vital, but it’s just the start,” Shearer said. “From here on, every match will be more challenging, and the team needs to be at their peak.”

Shearer commended players like Ivan Toney, whose headed assist for Harry Kane’s winning goal in extra time highlighted the squad’s depth and talent. He praised the team’s resilience and their ability to deliver under pressure.

“Seeing players like Toney step up when it counts is what defines a championship team,” Shearer remarked. “It’s not just about the starting eleven; every player has a crucial role, and their readiness can make all the difference.”

Looking forward to the quarter-final match against Switzerland, Shearer urged the team to maintain their focus and continue building on their momentum. He believes England has the potential to go all the way, but it will require a collective effort and unwavering commitment.

“Switzerland will be a tough opponent, but if England plays with the same intensity and unity, they have a great chance of progressing,” Shearer concluded. “This is where Euro 2024 really begins for England, and I have full confidence in the team to rise to the occasion.

England’s performances at Euro 2024 have drawn criticism, yet they have reached the quarter-finals of a fourth consecutive major tournament under Gareth Southgate. Despite facing pressure from fans and pundits, the England manager has made minimal changes to his starting XI throughout the competition.

However, Southgate will be forced to make at least one change against Switzerland, as central defender Marc Guehi is suspended. Former England striker Alan Shearer believes that now is the time for Southgate’s players to elevate their performance.

“He has got some difficult decisions to make,” Shearer told BBC iPlayer regarding Southgate’s situation. “But whoever wins this tournament will have to make big decisions and be brave at times.”

Shearer emphasized the importance of seizing the moment. “This is the time for England now to say, ‘we’re in this competition, we haven’t played as well as we want to or can do, and this is it.’ This is where it has to start for them.”