Ella Toone is hopeful she can make the World Cup squad to be named by Sarina Wiegman at the end of the season. After competing in the Olympics in 2021 and the Euros last season, the Manchester United midfielder will learn this afternoon if she will make England’s World Cup team.
“Although I’m eager, it is one of those days when you sit by the phone waiting for it to call,” England forward Ella Toone said before Sarina Wiegman names her squad. “Yes, I’m considerably more at ease now that most of us are on vacation; Sarina can either make the vacation miserable or not. The previous time, when we were all present, it was quite difficult. The day was incredibly stressful, and many people had sweaty palms, but this time we’ll be by ourselves, on vacation, and taking our well-earned breaks.”
While Leah Williamson, an Arsenal forward, Beth Mead, and Fran Kirby, a Chelsea forward, have sustained long-term injuries, England will still be one of the favorites in Australia and New Zealand this summer. Defenders Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze are both recovering from knee surgeries, but Toone seems upbeat.
“We are well aware of their importance to us as key members of our Euros-winning team. Of course, we’re devastated for all parties involved; no teammate or football player wants to hear such news, but we can’t let it consume us,” he added. “As gamers, we want to make them happy. Although it’s not the nicest news and they will be much missed, we must go out and honour them. You need to concentrate on your current group, and I believe we have plenty of quality emerging.”
Early in July, England left for Australia, and the players returned to practice the following month. Toone acknowledges that the players won’t have much downtime, but he aims to make the most of it to increase the likelihood that they’ll have greater success this summer.
“We have a few weeks to ourselves, so it’s crucial to get away and psychologically and physically unplug from football,” she concluded. “It would seem unbelievable, but it’s what little girls imagine. Now that I’ve had that sensation of victory, I still crave it. I have a hunger for more and a desire to triumph in everything. The previous summer was incredible; maybe, this summer, we can repeat it and inspire the country.”
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