How Ella Toone silenced the haters: Scoring crucial goals is the ideal way

Ella Toone is known for her fake eyelashes, infectious sense of humour and penchant for scoring vital goals, but the popular Lioness has also fought hard to prove her haters wrong.

Last summer, the Manchester United midfielder announced her arrival on the big stage by scoring in the Euro 2022 final, as Sarina Wiegman’s side beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley.

She was at it again on Wednesday, lashing home a delightful shot as England overcame Australia 3-1 to book their place in today’s World Cup final against Spain.

During the past season, though, Toone has faced criticism at times over her form, despite helping United to qualify for the Champions League.

United team-mate Leah Galton said: ‘After what Tooney did at last summer’s Euros came added pressure.

'She got some hate for not scoring enough goals and people said: “Is she tired from the Euros?” but she handled it really well.

‘I don’t think Tooney was at her best at times last season and teams started marking her extremely tightly.

‘Yet what people didn’t see was maybe the recovery runs she made to defend for the team. Sometimes you need to look beyond just the stats over goals and assists, especially as a midfielder.

‘That’s why I was so happy when Tooney scored against Australia — she showed the haters that she’s a special talent who deserves to be in this England team.’

With Fran Kirby absent from the World Cup through injury and Chelsea team-mate Lauren James suspended for the past two games, Toone started in the No10 role against Colombia and Australia.

She took her chance with deadly aplomb against the Matildas but has generally underwhelmed so far during the tournament and could be replaced in today’s starting line-up by James.

Yet Galton says her club-mate’s star will continue to rise, adding: ‘I’ve played with Tooney pretty much since the formation of United women’s team in 2018 and to see her progression from then to now has been quite staggering.

'I gravitated towards Tooney when we first met because she was funny and just herself.

‘She didn’t really care about what other people thought — if she had something to say, she would say it and I’ve always loved that about her.

'Tooney’s still working towards her full potential and that’s scary because she’s only 23.

‘Scoring in a World Cup semi-final will be huge for her confidence and she proved once again that she can do it on the highest stage.

'I hope she gets the chance to show what she can do in the final now.’

Toone is in a relationship with footballer Joe Bunney, 29, and Galton said: ‘I’ve met Joe a few times, he’s really nice and watches our games at United with my partner.

‘I definitely think Tooney’s life away from the football pitch is helping her on it.’

Galton represented England at every age group from Under-15 to 23s and has spent the past few seasons playing for United with Lionesses stars Toone, goalkeeper Mary Earps and striker Alessia Russo, before the latter joined Arsenal this summer.

Galton added: ‘Mary’s improved so much in the past couple of seasons and I think Sarina Wiegman has poured a lot of confidence into her.

‘She’s played Mary in a lot of big games where there have been penalty shoot-outs and she’s made big saves.

‘For me, Mary is the best goalkeeper in the world right now and the way she handles pressure is unbelievable.

'Away from football, she’s quite a private person but I know she enjoys making her garden look amazing.

‘Alessia is one of the nicest people I have ever met and, when she was at United, every morning we would greet each other with a little hug.

‘It made me feel like we’re going to take on the day together.

‘Alessia looked scarily good alongside Lauren Hemp against Australia in the semi-final and I love watching this team of Lionesses.

‘The final will be the biggest test but the best is yet to come from this team. I firmly believe they can go all the way.’