Manchester United forward Toone excited for Wembley debut with England | OneFootball

Manchester United forward Ella Toone says that she is excited to step out at Wembley for the very first time when England face Northern Ireland on Saturday.

The Lionesses take on The Green and White Army under the famous arch in their latest FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifier. The game is England’s first competitive match to be played at Wembley.

While England have only ever played international friendlies at the national stadium, Manchester United forward Toone has never even had the opportunity to walk out on the Wembley turf. The player says that she is excited to finally get the chance to play at one of the most iconic stadiums in world football with the Lionesses this weekend.

“I’ve never played at Wembley before, this is my first time so it is going to be even more special,” Toone told FAWSL Full-Time. “The girls have spoke a lot about Wembley and how amazing it is, I just can’t wait to step out on the pitch.

“Obviously, we’ve had COVID and the fans have not been able to come to a lot of the games but they’re back and we are going to have a big crowd.

“It is really exciting for me and for the team to play our first competitive match at Wembley.”

Toone says that she is not expecting to have any nerves ahead of Saturday’s game and she will simply look to thrive in the moment at Wembley.

She added “The biggest crowd that I have played in front of was the one for the Manchester derby at the Etihad and I loved it. That’s what you dream of when you are younger, going out in those big stadiums and playing in front of big crowds.

“I’m really excited for Saturday, I don’t think I will be nervous because I am just there to play football at the end of the day, that’s what we do and that’s what we love. I am just going to embrace every moment that I can and just enjoy the moment.”

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifier between England and Northern Ireland kicks-off at 5.15pm on Saturday evening. Tickets remain on general sale and are available here.