They actually get paid to write this shite! What’s this obsession with Toney? Totally bizarre. So he gets the nod based on ‘looking like an international player whilst waiting to take his penalty kick!’ Bloody hell, talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel to justify his inclusion at the expense of Ollie. Pathetic journalism.
Craig Hope: Daily Mail
Ollie Watkins: Loser
Harsh? Not if Southgate only takes two strikers to Germany. If so, Watkins probably won't be one of them.
Unlike Toney, he does not have the same strut about him at this level. He did very well in recycling the ball for Bellingham's goal on Tuesday night, but he's in the team to score them, and during a full 90 minutes versus Brazil he offered little threat.
An increase to a 26-man squad could yet be his saviour, but he's yet to convince as an England player.
Ivan Toney: Winner
OK, he only scored a penalty, said some. But in the moments before it was taken - three minutes of standing around, ball in hand, waiting for VAR to complete its check - there was something about Toney that looked like an international player.
There was an arrogance, a swagger, an ego that enjoyed the bright lights being on him, and him alone. He slotted his penalty home with no fuss, he always does. Don't forget how important a guaranteed scorer from 12 yards is at a tournament - Southgate certainly won't.
But it was not just that, Toney's hold-up play and want to impact gave purpose to England's attack. He is the best alternative to Kane.