Sunday was a special day for Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The strong goalscorer got off the bench to make his first appearance for the England national team in the last ten minutes of the game against Ukraine. Looking from the outside, it may not have been a monumental event. But for the man himself – it meant everything. “It feels so surreal. I couldn’t think of a better ground to do it in. For my family and me, it’s been a long journey, but to finally make it onto the pitch is a massive moment. Of course, I was itching to get the ball in the back of the net. Thankfully I got my cap, which means a lot — believe me.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7132448##Making the international bow was the first step for the 27-year-old former Newcastle United and Peterborough man. He now faces an even bigger challenge – he has to win a place occupied by captain and the country’s best goalscorer Harry Kane.”I hope I impressed coach Gareth Southgate. I want to keep performing and keep myself in and around the team. But there’s Harry Kane, one of the best strikers in the world, in front of me. And there are other strikers around the Premier League that are doing well as well. I’ve just got to keep doing me, and hopefully it’s enough. All I can keep doing is keep working hard, and when my chance comes, take it with two hands. I did that last night.””It feels so surreal”Ivan Toney is delighted to get his first England cap 🙌 pic.twitter.com/I4P9A4ivyo— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 26, 2023 Pulling on a shirt with the Three Lions on it and running out on the Wembley Stadium pitch is what every English footballer dreams of. Toney’s debut capped a remarkable rise for a player who was in League One with Peterborough just three seasons ago. He became the first Brentford player since 1939 to earn a cap.”Three or four years ago, I was fighting for promotion at Peterborough and now I’m making my debut for England. It’s been a long journey but to finally get my first England cap is a huge achievement. The hard work starts now. You’ve got to dream big, and I’ve made my dream a reality.”
