Injury was ‘blessing in disguise’, says Toone

Ella Toone, an England midfielder, claims the calf injury that kept her out for two months was a “benefit in disguise” because it made her realize she was putting too much pressure on herself.

The 25-year-old injured her calf while training for Manchester United two months after her father Nick passed away in September.

Toone has six goals in seven games for United, including a hat-trick against Manchester City at the Etihad, scoring 4-2. Since returning in January, Toone has scored six goals in those seven games.

Toone, who is back with the England squad for the Women’s Nations League games against Portugal and Spain this month, claims she is feeling better now.

“It was a really difficult first half of the season,” I said. I was busy with a lot. Toone told BBC Sport, “I probably didn’t acknowledge that I was struggling more than I was.”

“I was having trouble playing football,” I told myself. What wasn’t supposed to be my happy place wasn’t. I was putting too much pressure on myself.

” When I put pressure on myself, I can’t play my best football. I didn’t realize that until I got hurt, which was disguised as a blessing, and briefly stepped away from the pitch.

“It made me realize that I needed assistance and that’s what I was doing.” I had to request it.

Beth Mead, the mother of Toone’s mother, passed away from cancer in January 2023, along with other team-mates.

The United midfielder also spoke with a counselor, who she credits with helping her “process grief and find that love for football once more.”

“I’m not yet the finished article.” I believe the rest of my life will remain the same, but I’m in such a better place than before, Toone said.

“If I need someone, I know there’s someone always there. I think that’s the main thing about football. You’re not just on your own.

The Lionesses take on Portugal on Friday (5:00 GMT), before taking on Spain at Wembley the following week.

Although they have received criticism for recent performances, they are preparing to defend their European title in Switzerland this summer.

A poor performance against South Africa in October followed a 4-3 defeat by Germany, which they unconvincingly won 1-0 against Switzerland and 0-0 draw with the USA.

But Toone says the players” don’t really listen “to criticism.

” That outside opinion shouldn’t really matter. It’s what we know we’re doing in training, “she added.

This team is confident in its ability to handle any situation. Everyone wants to beat England, and we all know that our back is a big target.