England will be competing in their third consecutive major final, having narrowly advanced to the championship match in Basel after two thrilling victories, but Toone said the atmosphere in the Lionesses camp is calm.
"The pressure is merely self-imposed," the 25-year-old remarked at the team’s training base on Friday.
"We expressed our desire to make the nation proud, and I believe we have achieved that already. We have reached the final for the third consecutive time, which is something we can be proud of.
"We understand that no matter our actions, we are always inspiring the next generation of young girls and boys starting their journey. (But) there is no pressure from us."
Toone hopes that Sunday’s match will lack the drama of their previous victories over Swedenin the quarter-finals, and Italy in the semi-finals, where teenager Michelle Agyemang scored late to save them from defeat in both matches.
"It’s crazy; I’m not into the drama, but we’ve definitely made it dramatic," she said at England's training base on Friday.
"Sometimes football doesn’t unfold as you wish; it would be wonderful to win in 90 minutes, but we’ve never given up. We’ve likely given the fans at home heart attacks, but we’ve never surrendered.
"I think we’ve nearly given (coach Sarina Wiegman) a heart attack twice this tournament; she mentioned we’ve aged her," she added with a laugh.
Wiegman is the first coach in either men’s or women’s football to lead in five consecutive major tournament finals, including two with her home country Netherlands before England appointed her in 2021.
"When we step onto the pitch, we fight for each other, as well as for her, the staff, and the fans watching," Toone stated.
Defender Lucy Bronze, who scored what became England's winning penalty in their shootout against Sweden, will surpass Jill Scott's record of 35 major tournament appearances by an England player, male or female.
"She is an absolute powerhouse," Toone said of the 33-year-old Bronze. "She’s the oldest player in the squad and has just played two consecutive 120-minute matches. All the players look up to her. She’s someone whose words you heed, and when she steps onto the pitch, she supports you.
"She’s incredible - another excellent tournament for us. For many, just making one appearance at a major tournament is a significant achievement."
Toone also praised England's youngest player, Agyemang.
Toone’s role in England’s 2022 Euro victory made her a fan favorite, and she was asked how the 19-year-old forward would manage her new fame.
"(Agyemang) might get photographed eating a pasty like I did. I’ll have to give her a heads-up about that," Toone said with a chuckle.
"It’s crazy. I’d think she’s 30 years old; she’s so mature and grounded. She’s entered the tournament with freedom, without any worries or cares. She’s been fantastic for us, showing up in crucial moments when we needed her."
Links
Contact
App
