Ivan Toney 'pushing to start' as England prepare for seismic Netherlands Euro 2024 clash
England: Ivan Toney is 'pushing to start' as England prepare to face the Netherlands at Euro 2024
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Teddy Sheringham believes Ivan Toney is 'pushing' to start for England in their Euro 2024 semi-final clash with the Netherlands tonight.
However, the former Manchester United and Tottenham hitman still thinks Harry Kane will get the nod up top as the Three Lions look to make the final of the competition.
Toney has impressed at Euro 2024, despite his limited game time.
The Brentford striker made a big impact off the bench against Slovakia, playing a key role as goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane saved England from defeat.
England: Ivan Toney is 'pushing to start' as England prepare to face the Netherlands at Euro 2024
PA
And Toney's remarkable penalty against Switzerland has won plaudits, with the 28-year-old looking at the goalkeeper - instead of the ball - as he converted his spot-kick in the shootout.
Tonight, England will face the Netherlands in their biggest match of the competition so far.
While Kane has scored twice, the Bayern Munich star's overall performances have left much to be desired.
But while Sheringham believes Toney is 'pushing to start', the 58-year-old can't see Kane being dropped for such a big game.
"Ivan has done well in both games where he has come on," he exclusively told GB News, via Crypto Sports betting.
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"He has made a big impact against Slovakia and delivered a top penalty in the shootout against Switzerland.
"So, yes, he is pushing really hard, but Kane will start against the Netherlands.
"He is the leader, captain, experienced and does a lot for the team."
England needed penalties to overcome Switzerland last time out.
After a 1-1 draw, Toney, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold all kept their cool amid the heat of the battle.
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Penalty shootouts haven't always gone so smoothly for England.
In the past 20 years, they've lost via that way to Italy (twice) and Portugal (twice).
But Sheringham was impressed by the way England's penalty takers stepped up and got the job done.
"The big players stepped up and made it count," he said.
"Absolutely, yes [they were the right takers], most take for their clubs, so take penalties in big moments.
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England: Ivan Toney has impressed off the bench for the Three Lions ahead of their Euro 2024 showdown with the Netherlands
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"Saka for Arsenal. Toney for Brentford, Palmer for Chelsea, plus Bellingham has taken penalties before.
"These are young players with confidence and delivered in the big moment."
Despite England being just two wins away from the final, Gareth Southgate has faced criticism.
Many feel he's too negative and have questioned his tactics, with England unconvincing in every fixture so far.
But Sheringham has defended his old team-mate, insisting Southgate will get all the credit he deserves if England are able to go all the way.
England: Teddy Sheringham thinks Gareth Southgate will stick with Harry Kane for tonight's Euro 2024 showdown with the Netherlands
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"The critics have been harsh," he said.
"The football hasn’t been pretty at times, but Southgate will get the respect should England win on Sunday in the final!
"That is all it’s about now is winning the competition. With the semi-final so close we’re two games away from winning the Euros, so this is the most important thing now and then Southgate will get all the respect he deserves."