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4 months ago
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Gary Neville has suggested Ivan Toney could be a better impact player off the bench than Ollie Watkins against Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final showdown.
Aston Villa star Watkins lived out his boyhood dream by scoring a 90th minute winner against the Netherland's in England's semi-final victory earlier in the week.
His sublime finish following a brilliant pass from Cole Palmer secured England's place in the European Championship finale at the Netherlands' expense after Spain had already dumped France out.
Watkins posed an immediate threat when he came off the bench in the 81st minute, replacing Harry Kane while Brentford striker Toney remained an unused substitute.
Toney had previously been preferred over Watkins in the quarter-final win over Switzerland and scored a vital penalty in the shootout victory as boss Gareth Southgate maintains his unpredictable approach to team changes.
Gary Neville has suggested Ivan Toney (left) could be a better impact player off the bench than Ollie Watkins (right) against Spain
England manager Gareth Southgate (left) is set to continue with his theme of starting Harry Kane (right) in the Euro 2024 final
Watkins was England's saviour in their semi-final victory over the Netherlands after scoring in the 90th minute
Kane is almost guaranteed to start against Spain in Berlin given his status as team captain and England's record goalscorer, despite some calls suggesting Watkins deserves a chance.
But, Neville has explained why he would look to bring Toney on against Spain if the Three Lions find themselves in the similar position of again chasing a late goal.
Gary Neville was speaking on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: 'Against Spain, let's say Spain are sitting deep with 10 minutes to go and we're getting crosses in the box, it should be Ivan Toney [to be subbed on].
'You know that Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij probably wouldn't have wanted to play against Ollie Watkins, and they pressed us back a bit.'
Toney and Watkins have both had opportunities at Euro 2024 limited with Kane starting every game and currently tied as the tournament's joint-top scorer on three goals.
Watkins had made just one appearance prior to his goal against the Netherlands after last making a 20 minute cameo in England's group stage draw against Denmark.
Toney has similarly only made two appearances off the bench for England at Euro 2024 and was twice praised for his impact in the knockout clashes against Slovakia and Switzerland.
Both Watkins (left) and Toney (right) have only made two appearances for England at Euro 2024
Neville believes Toney could be a more effective option off the bench for England against Spain
However, despite the lack of minutes, both players have shown complete professionalism as Southgate's focus on team building creates a unified approach to winning within the England camp.
Kane insisted the team has placed a huge focus on players being 'ready' to make their mark whenever they were called upon, telling ITV after beating the Netherlands: 'We're a big team on being ready, everyone being ready for when it matters.
'You might get five minutes, you might get one minute, but you can make the difference, you can win us the tournament. Ollie's been waiting, he's been patient, what a finish.
To watch the second episode of Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, fans can tune in to ITV1 & ITV X on Friday 12th July at 11:05pm or watch it on The Overlap YouTube channel.
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