England midfielder Ella Toone believes that the "healthy competition" within the Lionesses squad can propel them to success at the European Women's Championship this summer. As the team prepares to defend their title in Switzerland, Toone emphasizes the importance of every player pushing each other to be their best, regardless of their role in the tournament.
Sarina Wiegman's side heads into the Euros on a high note after a dominant 7-0 victory over Jamaica in their final warm-up match. Toone herself enjoyed a successful outing, scoring twice in an England shirt for the first time since February 2024. Her goals, an opener and a third, both came from distance and highlighted her attacking prowess.
Toone expressed her delight in contributing to the team's performance, stating, "It's nice to send ourselves off to the Euros in that style". She also admitted to eagerly awaiting her next goal for England and was thrilled to score two against Jamaica. Overall, she was happy with the team's performance and is excited for the Euros.
The Lionesses squad has seen significant changes since reaching the World Cup final two years ago. Despite the changes, Toone is enthusiastic about the talent and potential within the current squad. She recognizes the blend of experienced players who have been to major tournaments and newcomers ready to make their mark. Toone is prepared to give her all for the team, no matter her role, and believes that the internal competition will drive everyone to perform at their peak.
Other players, including Georgia Stanway, also found the net in the match against Jamaica, alongside Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Beth Mead. Stanway, who had overcome an injury earlier in the season, affirmed her return to full strength.
Toone's journey to becoming a key player for both Manchester United and England has been one of perseverance and dedication. After initially facing setbacks in securing a full-time contract, she joined Manchester United's newly reformed women's team in 2018 and quickly established herself as a vital part of the squad. Her contributions were instrumental in the team's promotion to the Women's Super League.
Her remarkable rise culminated in a memorable summer in 2022 when she scored in the Euro final against Germany, helping England secure their first major tournament victory. This achievement has inspired countless young girls to pursue their footballing dreams.
Looking ahead, Toone is determined to continue inspiring the next generation and contributing to the growth of women's football. She understands the responsibility that comes with being a role model and strives to lead by example, both on and off the pitch. As England prepares for the Euros, Toone's positive attitude, combined with the team's collective talent and competitive spirit, positions them as strong contenders for the title.
