It's Ivan Toney's turn to audition for "Three Lions"

The search for a replacement for Kane continues. Watkins is ahead in performance trends, but Toney has more added value.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Giliran Ivan Toney Jalani Audisi ”Tiga Singa”

AFP/JUSTIN TALLIS

Forward Ivan Toney during the England national team training session at St. George's Park, England on March 20th, 2024. Toney is competing with Ollie Watkins to become the backup for Harry Kane in the upcoming 2024 European Cup.

LONDON, MONDAY — Without the presence of striker Harry Kane in this international break, it is as if the England national team is holding an audition for the attack line. Two back-up strikers, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, are fighting for a spot at the 2024 German European Cup. Watkins has been given the opportunity, it's Toney's turn to prove self.

England coach Gareth Southgate confirmed that Kane will again miss the trial versus Belgium at Wembley Stadium, Wednesday (27/3/2024) early morning WIB. The captain suffered an ankle injury and was forced to leave the national team camp. He also did not appear when England lost to Brazil last Sunday.

The bad news is good news for Toney. The Brentford striker is likely to be given a chance to showcase his skills. England only has two pure strikers left in the squad, namely Toney and Watkins. Watkins has played 90 minutes against Brazil, but had less impact on the field.

Also read: The Final Piece of “Three Lions”, Between Rice and Bellingham

Southgate is almost certain to rotate his squad. At the same time, he is still looking for the best figure to complement Kane in the European Cup. The coach wants to anticipate the worst situation. "We need to know what to do if Harry cannot appear in the big match," he said.

Together with Aston Villa this season, Watkins is currently in the best trend of his career. He is the player with the highest goal contributions in the league (16 goals, 10 assists). However, that influence was not seen in the previous match. Watkins was barely visible, only making one shot throughout the game.

AFP/GLYN KIRK

England striker, Ollie Watkins (center), during the friendly match against Brazil at Wembley, London, March 23 2024.

Kane's role is too big to be replaced. The Bayern Munich player is not only an outstanding goal scorer, but also a provider for his teammates. He often drops back to ask for the ball, lures the opponent, and then provides a breakthrough pass. Unlike Watkins, who runs more towards the penalty box.

Toney is worth a try. He may be lacking in form and has not scored in the last five matches. However, the 28-year-old striker comes with a hunger to do well.

I like Watkins, but you have to take Toney because of his penalties. Especially with England's history in penalty shootouts.

Toney returned to the national team after an eight-month ban for his involvement in a gambling scandal. He had disappeared after making his debut exactly a year ago.

Also read: Ben White's Somersault from Arsenal to the England National Team

His expertise could be useful in bridging the "Three Lions" attacking line. Toney is known to be strong in aerial duels as well as physical play. He often serves as a ball bouncer for his teammates. This situation could benefit English midfielders who often enter the penalty box, such as Jude Bellingham.

Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola even praised him. ”He is very dangerous. He is very skilled at using his body to duel, to get the second ball. You can link attacks to it. "One of the best I've ever seen (as a target man)," he said after the 1-0 win over Brentford last February.

MIKE EGERTON/PA VIA AP

Striker Ivan Toney (back center) takes part in England national team training at St. George's Park, England, March 22, 2024.

Clearly, Toney's technical quality lags far behind Kane. He is not better at passing, vision, and positioning. However, Toney can play a role in the same system when the captain is present. Prior to being sanctioned, he finished last season as the third-highest goal scorer in the league (20).

Former England national team player, Paul Merson, believes that Toney will be more useful than Watkins in the European Cup. One aspect that is taken into consideration is penalty capability. The Three Lions are almost always unlucky in penalty shootouts, such as when losing the previous European Cup final to Italy.

Also read: Southgate's Loyalty Boomerangs to the "Three Lions" Line

Toney can solve the problem. He is one of the best penalty takers in the league. His success rate is 93.5 percent (29-31), far surpassing Watkins who only has 44.4 percent (4-9). "I like Watkins, but you have to choose Toney because of his penalties. Especially with England's history in penalty shootouts," said Merson.

Southgate only has 23 quotas to travel to Germany later. The chances are very small that he will bring two deputy strikers at once for one position. Moreover, there is winger Marcus Rashford who can fill that role in emergency conditions. Therefore, the audition during this international break is crucial for Toney and Watkins.

AP PHOTO/KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH

England midfielder, Anthony Gordon, during the friendly match against Brazil at Wembley, London, March 23 2024.

Meanwhile, auditions also apply to other players who only appeared as cameos when facing Brazil. Jarrod Bowen, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rashford are likely to get a chance to play from the start of the match. They only played for no more than 30 minutes in the previous game.

One of the players who made good use of an audition opportunity is winger Anthony Gordon. He performed quite impressively when given his debut last Sunday.

However, the Newcastle United player is not yet sure if he can go to the European Cup. "You can't be sure with so much talent in the current England squad," he said. (AP/REUTERS)