England squad has ‘so much talent' despite high-profile absentees
England midfielder Ella Toone is confident the squad will move on from the loss of three experienced internationals and put up a staunch defence of their European Championship crown this summer.
Within the last two weeks Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from international football, while Millie Bright has stepped away saying she is 'unable to give 100 percent mentally or physically'.
It has left a significant hole in Sarina Wiegman's squad – the trio have 220 caps between them – a month before the Euros, but Toone insists there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic about their title defence.
'There is a lot of experience with those three players, ones I am grateful I got to share a pitch with,' Toone told the PA news agency at the official launch of her E7 Academy at former school Fred Longworth High in Tyldesley.
'It is football and people make decisions and as players we have to respect that. I just want Mary to be happy – if that's her decision I'll respect that.
'It is nice to let someone else step into the squad and I know we have their backing 100 percent and I know they want us to do well.
'You have to focus on the squad we have now and there is so much talent and excitement in it, players who have been to major tournaments before and are experienced and know how to win.
'We have bags of talent coming through. You have to look forward to what's ahead and with the squad we have got. I think it is going to be exciting.
'They will go there, have no fear and hopefully they can shine on the big stage.
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'We've got a very different squad to the one we had when we won it, but one which is very exiting and full of talent.
'There is no pressure, we're going to give it our all, inspire the next generation and make the nation proud as every time we step on to the pitch we want to win.'
Toone's academy offers opportunities for eight to 16-year-olds of all abilities and a full-time education and player development programme for those between 16 and 19.
It has partnered with 27 schools across Greater Manchester and she has encouraged more to sign up.
'It was always about using my platform as best I can to inspire young girls to give them an opportunity to play football and enjoy themselves,' the Manchester United star added.
'Hopefully girls here can really push on and come through the academy and play in the WSL one day.
'It's amazing we were part of that change in history in women's football and inspired the next generation of girls.
'When I was growing up there weren't as many opportunities as there are now and definitely not as many role modes as there are now.
'It is nice to be able to give back to the community and give back to these young girls starting out in their journeys.'
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