After England’s win against Slovakia on Sunday evening, Neal Maupay singled out one substitute who needs to be better utilised.
Everybody had their own take on the performance of Gareth Southgate’s men following their extra-time win against Slovakia, many thought that they should have got the job done earlier, while others are simply grateful that Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane came to the rescue.
Maupay had a different take on what he saw in the dying minutes of Sunday’s match and decided to single out one man in particular.
Ivan Toney needs more minutes in an England Shirt
Maupay looked to his former teammate Ivan Toney as he singled out praise after England proceeded to the quarter-finals. “Ivan is a top striker. He scores goals. That’s what he does. Give him some minutes and I am sure he will do well,” he said on Talksport on Tuesday morning.
“He gave an assist and he was dangerous. He had a chance and headed the ball well. Maybe put him on earlier and he will do something,” Maupay added in an appeal to Southgate to give the 28-year-old a bigger role in an England shirt.
Toney was a handful for the Slovakian defenders after entering the frame – so could he be trusted to do the same, albeit a little earlier against Switzerland?
Could Ivan Toney play a bigger role against Switzerland on Saturday?
Given his short cameo against Slovakia, in which he still managed to contribute in attack despite only being on the pitch for just over half an hour, the Brentford man may be higher up Southgate’s list for players that could make an impact in the knockout stages at the Euros.
Whilst he is still unlikely to command a starting spot in the England squad for their match against Switzerland, he may be considered as an impact sub who could come on earlier in the second half, should England lack any threat just as they did for 90 minutes against Slovakia.
It is clear that the England manager’s plan for this tournament wasn’t working until the dying moments on Sunday, so a fresh outlook and approach from some different players could be sought after should England look to go deep into this tournament.
We will definitely see this type of rotation in defence, where due to Marc Guehi’s suspension Ezri Konsa or Lewis Dunk could be set to start.