England midfielder ella Toone has spoken about the profound impact of her father’s passing and the crucial support she has received from her teammates and head coach Sarina Wiegman during this difficult period.
“She’s [Sarina wiegman] been great, but everyone has been great,” Toone stated, highlighting the strong sense of unity within the squad. “We always talk about the togetherness in the squad, and these are the moments that pull us together.”
Toone, who is participating in her first major tournament without her father, finds solace in the shared experience with teammate Beth Mead, who is also navigating grief after losing a parent. “Me and Beth [Mead] come into our first tournament without a parent, it’s going to be difficult but it is the people you have around you that you can lean on and that get you through the days that are tough.”
The emotional toll of being away from home, compounded by personal loss, can be challenging. “Even when you’re not going through something like that, being away from home is hard. Some days you get up and can’t be yourself, you struggle,” Toone admitted.
Though, the unwavering support system within the team has been instrumental. “But it’s the people you’ve got around you. We’ve definitely got that squad. It’s nice I’ve got Beth, who is unfortunately going through the same thing so we really understand each other and how we are feeling and what each of us needs.”
Toone also emphasized the proactive support from wiegman. “sarina has been amazing, she’s spoken to me throughout the tournament and saeid if I need anything I can go to her.”
