Gareth Southgate joked that Ivan Toney was left ‘disgusted’ when he was introduced from the England bench in the dying seconds against Slovakia. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane dragged the Three Lions away from the brink of defeat to set up a Euro 2024 quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.
England were dreadful for the vast majority of proceedings, with Slovakia taking an early lead before two moments of brilliance turned the match on its head. Southgate was reluctant to make changes during the match, only bringing Toney into the fold in the final minutes of stoppage time.
The Brentford striker came on to replace Phil Foden and Southgate admitted in his post-match interview that Toney was left ‘disgusted’ with his late introduction.
“There’s no question that Ivan Toney was pretty disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go,” said the England boss.
“I think we’ve made up now! He had a big impact, with the second goal as well. I think if you put a sub on at that time, it’s a last throw of the dice. He maybe doesn’t even touch the ball.
“I completely understand it. I don’t like putting a player in that position, but I just had a feeling that he might have been able to cause a bit of chaos.”
Toney ended up grabbing the assist for Kane’s winning goal, justifying Southgate’s decision to introduce him from the bench. The England boss went on to insist that he never felt Slovakia would win the match, even though they were just seconds away from pulling off a surprise victory.
“I had a funny feeling the game wasn’t dead and I know that sounds ridiculous,” added Southgate. “We were pushing and probing. Ultimately it is the one we have thrown in the box that got us the goal.
“I’m so proud of the players and the spirit the lads showed. Everybody we put into the game played a part and helped us get over the line. They are all pushing and helping each other and tonight. That made the difference.
“Under that pressure they kept probing. In the end it is the old fashioned long throw that gets the goal. Those moments can happen when you keep wearing a team down.”
