Ella Toone: England and Manchester United midfielder on injury and processing grief
England midfielder Ella Toone said that excluding her from two months of calf injuries was a “blessing of disguise” because it helped her realize that she was putting too much pressure on herself.
Toone’s father Nick died in September, and the 25-year-old was injured in Manchester United training two months later.
Since returning in January, Toone has scored six goals in seven matches at Manchester United, including Etihad Stadium Hat Trick Beat rival Manchester City 4-2.
Toone is back in England Squad for this month’s Women’s National League match against Portugal and Spain and says she feels in a “better place” now.
“The first half of this season is really hard. I have a lot to do. I may not admit that I have struggled more than before.”
“I tried to play football but didn’t enjoy it. That was where I was happy. I put too much pressure on myself.
“I can’t play the best football when I put pressure on myself. Until I get hurt – a blessing in disguise – I don’t know – I walked a little off the court.
“It made me realize that that’s what I’m doing and I need help. I need to ask for it.”
Toone has been supported by teammates including England winger Beth Mead, whose mother died of cancer in January 2023.
The United midfielder also spoke with a counselor who she thought was helping her “progress sad and discover love for football again.”
“I’m not finished yet. There’s a lot of work to do, and I think the rest of my life will be the same, but I’m in a better place than before,” Toon said.
“If I needed someone, I knew there was always someone there. I think that was the main thing in football. You’re more than just one person.
“You have a bunch of girls who are like sisters to me. I’m so lucky to have them. They definitely helped me on the road.”
