- Ivan Toney revealed he and Ollie Watkins had been ‘imitating’ their opponents
- Harry Kane He had been criticized by some for his move against Denmark.
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Ivan Toney has revealed that he and Ollie Watkins continue to “imitate” opposing forwards in training, and that Harry Kane will continue as England’s sole leader.
Former internationals such as Stuart Pearce have said Kane should be ruled out, while Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were highly critical of the forward’s move and his involvement in the 1-1 draw against Denmark.
Gareth Southgate, however, maintains confidence in his captain ahead of Tuesday’s game against Slovenia and has so far not tried any alternative attacking combinations at his Blankenhain base.
“Ollie and I have been working together and just imitating opponents,” Toney said. ‘This is what we do. We make the opposition.’
Has the manager worked in a system with Toney or Watkins and Kane together?
Ivan Toney (centre forward) revealed that he and Ollie Watkins have been “imitating” opposition forwards in training.
Toney (right) admitted that Kane (left) did not have his best performance in an England shirt
Watkins (pictured) replaced Harry Kane during England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark last week.
“No,” said the Brentford striker. ‘When the time comes, we will know what we have to do and we will put it into practice when the time is right. We will both be prepared for the opportunity.
Does that mean Toney has accepted his backup role?
“I suppose so, but in football anything can happen,” he said. ‘Things can change, you just have to be prepared.
“It’s difficult, but you have to be prepared, be prepared.” Almost everyone on the team starts with their club, and there is a way to adapt to being a substitute or being an unused substitute.
“There are times I’ve done it before in my career, when I went to Peterborough and I was on the bench. When my chance came, I took it and I hope I can do the same if I get the chance here.”
Toney admits he thought Kane wasn’t at his best against Denmark, but defended his teammate against some of the criticism.
Despite Kane coming under fire for his performance against Denmark, Gareth Southgate (right) keeps faith in the England captain ahead of Tuesday’s match against Slovenia.
Toney urged Kane (pictured) not to listen to those who criticized him, adding that he was sure the England captain would “bounce back”.
Toney (left) also revealed that Southgate had not worked in a system that included him and Watkins (right).
“He’s not going to have the best game in his career,” Toney said. “He is normal, human, and there will be times when he may not play his best.” I felt like the other day he didn’t play his best, but he scored and that’s the job of a striker.
“He is a top-level striker, he will recover and I am sure that he does not listen to the outside noise because he believes in his own ability.” Hence he is one of the best forwards in the world.