Ella Toone: England and Manchester United midfielder on injury and processing grief

England midfielder Ella Toone says the calf injury that ruled her out for two months was a “blessing in disguise” as it helped her realise she was putting too much pressure on herself.

Toone’s father Nick died in September and the 25-year-old injured her calf in training for Manchester United two months later.

Since returning in January, Toone has scored six goals in seven matches for United, including a hat-trick at Etihad Stadium in a 4-2 victory over rivals Manchester City.

Toone is back with the England squad for this month’s Women’s Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain and says she feels in a “better place” now.

“The first half of the season was really hard for me. I had a lot going on. I probably didn’t admit that I was struggling more than I was,” Toone told BBC Sport.

“I was trying to play football but not enjoying it. What was meant to be my happy place wasn’t. I was putting too much pressure on myself.

“When I put pressure on myself, I can’t play my best football. I didn’t know that until I got the injury – a blessing in disguise – and I stepped away from the pitch for a bit.

“It made me realise that was what I was doing and I needed help. I needed to ask for it.”

Toone received support from team-mates including England winger Beth Mead, whose mother died from cancer in January 2023.

The United midfielder also spoke to a counsellor, which she credits with helping her “process grief and to find that love for football again”.

“I’m not the finished article just yet. There’s a lot to work on and I think that will be the same for the rest of my life but I’m in such a better place than I was before,” Toone said.

“If I need someone, I know there’s someone always there. I think that’s the main thing about football. You’re not just on your own.

“You have got a group of girls who, for me, are like sisters. I’m very lucky to have had them. They have definitely helped me on my journey.”