Toone Reflects on 'Massive Lesson' from Hip Injury Setback

Ella Toone has revealed that her recent hip injury served as a crucial learning experience, stating she has now emerged from the setback ready to rejoin the England squad. The Manchester United midfielder was sidelined for four months due to the injury, ultimately returning to play in the final three fixtures of the Women's Super League campaign. She recently competed in the Women's World Sevens tournament, where United secured a runner-up finish behind Chelsea.

Although Toone was absent for England’s World Cup qualifying matches in March and April, she has been declared fit for Friday’s clash against Spain in Mallorca, scheduled for 20:00 BST.

The 26-year-old opened up about the emotional toll of her absence. "It's been a long time. I've driven my family up the wall with not being able to play," she admitted. "When you're a footballer and you have that taken away from you, it's really difficult. I sat out two [England] camps with big games so it was tough."

Toone emphasized the importance of her rehabilitation process. "I knew I had to keep working hard and get myself in the best place possible to be ready for this camp. I'm buzzing to be back."

She acknowledged that her physical needs have changed as she has matured as a player. "I think I've learned I'm not 18 any more and my body has been through a lot. There was a massive lesson in this injury and it was to make sure I look after myself."

The midfielder explained that the injury was a "complicated" hip stress fracture caused by overuse, which prevented her from training for an extended period. To maintain her fitness during recovery, she relied on swimming and used the upcoming qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine as key motivators.

Her absence had significant consequences for her club as well. Toone missed United’s knockout-stage matches in the Women's Champions League and could not assist the team in securing a top-three finish in the WSL, resulting in their exclusion from European competition next season.

Reflecting on the demanding schedule, Toone noted, "There were loads of games this season with Manchester United. I don't think we've ever played that many games." She added, "I've definitely learned this time around that I have to look after my body much better than I have been doing in previous years. I know recovery is massive now. I've got to make sure I use my time wisely and maybe have more rest days. I want to prolong my career as much as I can."

While Toone was recovering, several teammates stepped into her role within the England setup. Aston Villa’s Lucia Kendall delivered a standout performance in the 1-0 win over Spain, and Manchester City’s Laura Blindkilde Brown started against Iceland. Additionally, United teammate Jess Park has featured in the number 10 role, while Chelsea’s Lauren James remains a viable option, potentially shifting from her usual wing position.

Toone expressed satisfaction at seeing her teammates succeed but is eager to demonstrate her readiness to manager Sarina Wiegman. "You are never guaranteed to be selected, no matter what your journey has been like in an England shirt," she said. "Every time the squad comes out, you're still worried you might not make it. Missing the last few camps, I knew I had to make myself available for this selection."

She recalled her recent interactions with the coaching staff: "I came to the last camp to see Alessia [Russo] and the girls and I reminded Sarina that I'm a number 10 and I'll be ready for the next camp."

Despite her ambition to impress, Toone is conscious of maintaining a balanced mindset. "Despite her eagerness to impress Wiegman, Toone says she has to remember 'not to put too much pressure' on herself and to enjoy her return to action. 'I do play my best football when there is no pressure. That is what I've tried to do. I know I've been out for a long time,' she added. 'I made sure I used the time wisely and I feel like I'm in a really good place.'"

Arsenal striker and Toone’s close friend, Alessia Russo, welcomed her teammate's return to the squad. "I obviously did miss her when she wasn't here. Everyone kept asking me if I was OK. I was like: 'I'm fine!'" Russo said. "She's worked so hard to get back. Injuries are rubbish but she's really matured over the last year or two and within her body. I'm really happy to have her back."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 09:03:56 UTC