Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg in Blankenhain

‘Focused’ Toney ready to play his part as England prepare for Swiss

Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring against Slovakia with teammates including Ivan Toney
Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring his dramatic goal against Slovakia with teammates including Ivan Toney (far right). Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Few top sides play with two up front these days. Some prefer to use a false 9. At Euro 2024, there have been suggestions that no task in football is more thankless than having to be Harry Kane’s back-up. England’s captain always starts.

Gareth Southgate has not drawn on the memory of Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham’s partnership at Euro 96. His preference is to have Kane leading the line on his own, with Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka supporting him from attacking midfield.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.