England manager Gareth Southgate is gearing up for their friendly match against Iceland, announcing that Brentford striker Ivan Toney will be seeing some playing time. However, Southgate emphasized that his main focus is on getting the team captain, Harry Kane, back into playing form before the European Championship kicks off. Kane, who had been dealing with a back injury towards the end of the season, only managed to play the final 30 minutes in England’s recent victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he scored the third goal of the match.
Southgate acknowledged the importance of having Toney on the field for the upcoming game, but stressed that his priority lies in ensuring that Kane is in optimal condition. With the deadline for finalizing the squad for Euro 2024 looming, Southgate faces the challenge of balancing the immediate needs of the team with the long-term goal of having Kane perform at his best during the tournament in Germany.
The friendly match against Iceland holds significant weight for England as it serves as their final preparation before Euro 2024. Southgate highlighted the importance of using this game to build upon the team’s performance in their previous match and to provide crucial playing time for the players. Regardless of their previous experience on the field, Southgate emphasized the need for all players to maintain their match fitness and rhythm, making Friday’s game a crucial exercise for the team as they gear up for the competitive tournament ahead.
England’s journey in Euro 2024 is set to begin on June 16, with a challenging match against Serbia in Group C. With the team focused on fine-tuning their strategies and ensuring peak physical condition for all players, Southgate and his coaching staff are working diligently to prepare the squad for the tough competition that lies ahead. The players’ performance in the upcoming friendly will be a crucial factor in determining the team’s readiness and cohesion as they aim to make a strong start in the prestigious tournament.
While Ivan Toney will have a chance to showcase his talents in the friendly against Iceland, Southgate’s primary objective remains getting Harry Kane back to full fitness. The team’s preparations for Euro 2024 are reaching a crucial stage, with every game serving as a vital opportunity for the players to hone their skills and gel as a unit. With the tournament fast approaching, England is determined to make a strong impression and compete at the highest level against Europe’s top teams.