Toone relishing England competition after seven-goal Euros send-off

Ella Toone is not fazed by the competition for places in England's midfield, having scored twice as the Lionesses warmed up for Euro 2025 with a 7-0 rout of Jamaica.

England ran riot in Sunday's pre-tournament friendly at the King Power Stadium, with Toone's goals coming either side of a Lucy Bronze header to put them 3-0 up by half-time.

Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones and Beth Mead then got on the scoresheet in the second half, with Jamaica never threatening in the absence of Manchester City star Khadija Shaw.

Toone's goals were her first on the international stage since February 2024, when she netted in a 5-1 rout of Italy.

The Manchester United midfielder previously scored the opening goal as England beat Germany in the Euro 2022 final, also netting against Australia in the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup.

But with Grace Clinton, Jess Park and Lauren James among those looking to challenge Toone for a position, she knows she is not guaranteed to start England's Group D opener against France.

"I think there's competition all over the squad, that's what makes our group so exciting," Toone told ITV. "There's so much talent, there are players that have been to tournaments and some going to their first.

"No matter what role I have, I'll make sure I give my best for the team. I enjoyed today, but there are other players that can play that 10 role and do a great job.

"We'll all be pushing each other and it's just healthy competition. We'll take each game as it comes, as we always do, and hopefully we can make the nation proud."

Asked about ending her goal drought, Toone said: "It's been a long time coming! 

"I've waited a long time for another goal in an England shirt and then two came today, so I'm really happy with that. 

"Of course I wanted a hat-trick, who doesn't want a hat-trick? I had the chances to get one, but Alessia finished off my perfect hat-trick with her header, so I'll take that."

Stanway's goal was also her first for England this year, having recently returned from a ligament injury that required surgery in January.

The Bayern Munich star believes she has emerged from the rehabilitation process as a better player, saying: "It's been a lot of work. I didn't expect to be having surgery at the end of January. It was my first real injury in 10 years, so I'd had a good innings.

"Maybe it happened for a reason. I'm feeling good, I'm feeling fresh. It’s a cliché, but I do feel fitter, faster and sharper than I have in a long time, so I've timed it perfectly."

After facing France in the first game of their title defence, England take on the Netherlands and Wales to round out Group D.