ELLA TOONE “THIS IS MY FIRST TOURNAMENT WITHOUT MY DAD - HE'D WANT ME TO JUST ENJOY IT”

Nearly a year since her father's passing, the Manchester United midfielder hopes to score yet more crucial Lionesses goals in Switzerland this summer

- Chris Evans

You're the only England player ever to have scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of a major tournament, having found the net in the quarters and final of Euro 2022, then the semis at the 2023 World Cup. What's your secret?

It just kind of happened. I've got a name for myself for scoring in big moments and I like that - that's what it's all about, it's about not crumbling under pressure, but about going out there and feeling confident in myself. When I went onto the pitch as a substitute during the Euro 2022 Final against Germany, I knew my role was to change the game and get us a goal, and that's what I managed to do. It was an amazing feeling and one that will live with me for a long time, then I scored in the semi-final at the World Cup as well. It's a good stat - you want to create huge moments and help your team to success.

Do those momentous goals give you confidence to do it again?

When you've turned up in big moments before, you have that belief that every time you step onto the pitch, in whatever game, you'll make something happen. I definitely believe that when I step out onto the pitch, I can create moments and goals out of nothing.

Is there any pressure that comes with that reputation, too?

I think so, especially when you're not starting and you might need to come on and change the game. Sometimes when you don't have a moment or the match is a bit tougher and tighter, you feel... not that you've let the pressure get to you, but like you've let people down, because you want to go out there and do what you're known for doing. But it's not always the case in football - you might not even get an opportunity to create something. It's just about making sure that when you step onto the pitch, you're ready.