Toone learned 'massive lesson' from hip injury setback
Toone learned 'massive lesson' from hip injury setback
Emma Sanders - BBC Sport women’s football news reporterThu, June 4, 2026 at 9:04 AM UTC
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Ella Toone missed four months of the season with a hip injury
Ella Toone says she learned a "massive lesson" from her recent injury setback and now she is ready to perform again for England.
The Manchester United midfielder missed four months of the season with a hip injury, but returned for the final three games of the Women's Super League season.
She took part in the Women's World Sevens tournament last week as United finished runners-up to Chelsea.
Toone missed Women's World Cup qualifying matches in March and April, but is available for England's game against Spain on Friday in Mallorca (20:00 BST).
The Lionesses will qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil if they avoid defeat against reigning world champions Spain.
"It's been a long time. I've driven my family up the wall with not being able to play," the 26-year-old said.
"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.
"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.
"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."
Toone says her injury was a "complicated" hip stress fracture that came from "overuse" and left her unable to train for a long time.
She kept physically fit by swimming and used this month's qualifying matches against Spain and Ukraine as motivation for her recovery.
Toone missed United's matches in the knockout stages of the Women's Champions League and was unable to help them finish inside the WSL's top three, meaning they have missed out on European football next season.
Reflecting on the recovery journey, Toone said: "There were loads of games this season with Manchester United. I don't think we've ever played that many games.
"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.
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"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."
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'You're still worried' - Toone
While Toone was absent, others have taken their opportunity in an England shirt.
Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall impressed in England's 1-0 victory over Spain, while Manchester City's Laura Blindkilde Brown started against Iceland.
United team-mate Jess Park has also played in the number 10 position, while Chelsea's Lauren James is an option if she is not used as a winger.
While Toone says she has enjoyed watching her team-mates thrive, she is eager to prove herself to manager Sarina Wiegman again this week.
"You are never guaranteed to be selected, no matter what your journey has been like in an England shirt," said Toone.
"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.
"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 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 Alessia Russo, Toone's best friend, says it is nice to have her "comfort blanket" back in the England squad for this month's matches.
"I obviously did miss her when she wasn't here. Everyone kept asking me if I was OK. I was like: 'I'm fine!'
"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."
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