Joe Cole believes Ivan Toney has secured his place as England’s back-up striker at this summer time’s European Championship after impressing in Tuesday’s pleasant in opposition to Belgium.
Three Lions supervisor Gareth Southgate is extensively anticipated to decide on between Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Toney for the place as England’s assist striker to Harry Kane.
The Brentford star impressed along with his physicality and ball management as he made his first begin for England in the latest Wembley encounter that noticed Jude Bellingham snatch a late equaliser for the hosts.
Toney solely made his return to Premier League soccer in January after serving an eight-month ban from soccer for playing and has shortly rediscovered his finest type.
A spot at a primary main event with England is up for grabs and Cole believes Toney’s efficiency in opposition to Belgium edges him forward of Watkins for a spot within the squad.
Ivan Toney impressed on his first England begin as he scored in opposition to Belgium on Tuesday
The 28-year-old opened his England objectives account from the penalty spot in opposition to Belgium
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Moreover heaping reward on Man United teenager Kobbie Mainoo, Cole informed Channel 4: ‘I might put them [Mainoo and Toney] in my squad.
‘I believe extra essential tonight was for Toney, as a result of I believe he wanted to point out on the large stage that he might deal with it. He might maintain the ball up. It might provide the workforce one thing.
‘Harry Kane goes to play you recognize, so long as he is received two legs and two arms he’ll play however Ivan Tony now confirmed that he can deal with the stress of enjoying for England,’ he mentioned.
Toney restored England on stage phrases in opposition to Belgium from the penalty spot after changing from 12-yards with a cool end into the underside nook.
Former England and Chelsea star Joe Cole believes Toney ought to be picked for England
Mainoo offered the help earlier than Toney was hacked down within the space by former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.
The 28-year-old opened his England account and have become the primary participant to attain a penalty on his opening Three Lions begin since Allan Clarke on the 1970 World Cup.
Persevering with to heap reward on Toney, Cole additional added: ‘Coolest man in Wembley, absolute specialist at penalties and perhaps that comes into Gareth’s pondering when deciding by Toney and Watkins.’
Toney has scored 30 profession penalties, lacking solely twice from the spot along with his solitary Premier League scuff coming in opposition to Newcastle in April final yr.
