Peter Crouch says Ivan Toney should play more for England at Euro 2024 if they are going to continue to play the same way.
Crouch is the latest pundit to criticise the Three Lions' performances at the tournament, with England advancing to the quarter-finals despite putting on some underwhelming displays.
This was especially true in the round of 16, where England trailed Slovakia until deep into stoppage time when Jude Bellingham's stunning overhead kick forced extra time. The Three Lions then took control of the match early in the extra period through Harry Kane, but it was the play of substitute Toney, who entered the match four minutes into stoppage time, that turned the tides in favour of England, according to Crouch.
Speaking to Paddy Power, Crouch explained that Gareth Southgate's late act of desperation of inserting Toney into a seemingly lost match showed that the Brentford man should see more time on the pitch for England — especially if they aren't going to change their tactics.
“I don’t think anyone could say they saw that equaliser coming against Slovakia," Crouch said. "I really thought we were out.
“I know it’s difficult to break down teams when they put players behind the ball but there are enough players in that team that are used to playing against a defensive low block.
“But we were completely devoid of ideas. I couldn’t believe how many crosses we were putting into the box. It felt like that was our only way through.
“If you’re going to keep putting these hopeful crosses in, you might as well play Ivan Toney in my view.
“When he came on he made an impact because we were already playing to his strengths rather than the way the rest of the team wants to play. I don’t think that it was tactical, it’s just that we were out of ideas and the best way to score was to throw it in there and hope.”
“And while we’re not playing great, that goal shows what you can do when you have top players in your side. They can come up with moments of magic.”
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