Toney: First England goal ‘very special’ | OneFootball

Ivan Toney’s goal in England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium made him the first Brentford player to score for the Three Lions.

Toney found the net on his first international start, stroking home a trademark penalty having been brought down by Jan Vertonghen.

The Bees striker is the first player to score from the spot on his first England start since Allan Clarke against Czechoslovakia at the 1970 World Cup.

“It’s very special to get on the scoresheet,” Toney told Sky Sports. “It would have been a little downer if we’d lost the game, but Jude [Bellingham] got something for us.

“I always stay calm from the penalty spot. I take my time and walk away with the ball. The keeper was trying to come out and put me off, and some of their players were coming over, but I stayed calm and made the keeper wait for me and slotted it in the back of the net.”

Having had a watching brief for England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday, Toney was pleased to make his mark at Wembley.

“I hope I did,” he smiled. “I’m always going to work hard and support the boys. Ollie [Watkins] is my competition, but it’s friendly competition and I wish him all the best every time he goes on the pitch. I felt like I did well today and hopefully I’ve given myself a good chance to put my name forward and be there for the Euros.

“Peter Beardsley messaged me this morning and said that I’d made my debut a year ago today. It makes it extra special, a year later, that I’m here starting and scoring a goal.”

Toney added: “With top-class players around me, it’s always going to be easier. For the penalty, Jude just slid the ball down the corner. And I had Phil [Foden] playing into my feet and running off me. It’s a joy to play with these players, so hopefully I can play with them a lot more.”