Ella Toone stopped and sent a kiss towards the sky. In moments such as scoring for your country at a major tournament, the most important people can become those who are not there. Toone is 25 and is already appearing at her third major tournament for England. But it’s also the first she has played in since the loss of her father Nick to prostate cancer last September. Another goal at Euro 2025 was dedicated to the memory of her most reliable supporter.
That Toone has hit red-hot form at the Euros should not be taken for granted. Against Wales, Toone scored, made two assists and had completed 100 per cent of her passes before being taken off at half-time to ensure she did not pick up a second yellow card of the tournament that would have resulted in a suspension for the quarter-finals.
