The England camp life quiz with Ella Toone

Back on camp for the final time this year, Ella Toone reveals all about life with the Lionesses.

The two-time European champion answered a series of questions about her unconventional music tastes, her love of card games and some of her pre-match superstitions.

What is one essential item you’re packing in your suitcase for a camp?

I would probably have to say my footy boots. Two pairs – one studs and one moulds and then my shinpads. I feel like that is really a big thing to pack when you go away with England.

They always absolutely stink your case out!

What about one luxury item?

I’ve recently got this pillow with Dad on it – me and Dad. Now, I pack it to every camp. It says, ‘if you miss me, give it a hug’. It’s quite sentimental to me now, so I can take him to every camp with me.

How do you like to spend your downtime on camp?

Me, Alessia [Russo], Keira [Walsh] and Beth Mead always play Monopoly Deal. We’ve got a tally chart from last camp that has now come over to this camp. Whenever we’ve got time for a game, we’ll always been playing it, so definitely a game of cards with the girls. I’m not the best.

Keira’s winning – she’s the best. Alessia and Beth are both up there and I'm probably the worst one. However, at the back end of last camp, I started to win more games, so hopefully this camp, I can start winning again.

Who would you sit next to on a plane or bus journey to an England game?

I always sit next to Alessia. No matter whether we’re on a coach or on a plane, we’ll always sit next to each other because we just love spending all of our time together. We just know each other so well that if one us wants to talk all the way there, we’ll talk. If not, we don’t have to talk. It’s just easy.

On bus journeys, if we can get a table on the bus then we’ll take our Monopoly Deal.

What kind of character or personality would you say you are within the group and how would your team-mates describe you?

They would probably use the word funny. I think they would describe me as a bit of a joker, always wanting to have a bit of a laugh, making people laugh.

On the pitch, I’m someone who’s quite competitive and wants to win everything.

What is your favourite meal to eat on camp?

I always love breakfast. I think that’s my favourite meal of the day. I like to mix it up. Sometimes I’ll have scrambled, sometimes I’ll have poached, sometimes I’ll have an omelette. The food on camp is always amazing but I do look forward to my breakfast in a morning.

What is your favourite part of training?

I really like to do a rondo. I really like technical passing drills – I get a buzz out of just getting loads of touches on the ball.

Everyone loves small-sided games where you can be really competitive.

Talk us through your pre-match routine.

I usually listen to the same playlist. I’ll always have the same pre-match meal which is eggs, bagel, avocado and orange juice.

I’ve tried to cut down on all the superstitions. I used to sing a chant on the day of the game before every game. I’d always make the same person put my GPS in my sports bra which I still do sometimes. I’ll always shout, ‘come on, girls, straight in’ before kick-off. Little superstitions within a warm-up as well, like who I’m standing next to, who I’m passing with.

I tend to chill, have a bit of a laugh with the girls in the changing rooms, sing the songs and get ready for the game.

What kind of music do you listen to before a game?

I really like at the minute listening to George Michael before a game. I’m a bit weird before a game. I’m not that bothered about that pumped up stuff. I just don’t mind doing a bit of George Michael and a bit of singalong kind of thing.

Talk us through your post-match routine.

I usually go up and see my family and friends who’ve come to watch the game. Just chill out and have a bit of food. Nothing major.

What is your favourite thing about being on camp?

For me, I love being with Alessia. It’s the time where we get to spend ten days together when we’ve not seen each other for a while.

I love being around the girls. I love training and how competitive it is. I just love playing for England and being here. You dream of it when you’re a little girl, so you don’t take it for granted.

How would you sum up pulling on an England shirt and representing your country?

It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s what you grow up dreaming about. Every time you put it on, it’s still a ‘pinch me’ moment. You still want to go out there and give your absolute all for yourself, your team, your fans, your family – everyone’s that got you to that point.

I love that it keeps happening and hopefully I can continue to do that.

What is your favourite moment during your England career?

Probably making my debut for England. That’s something I’d always wanted to do and when it happened, it was probably the best feeling I’ve ever had. I remember it being very, very windy. I remember coming on at half time. It was Jill Scott’s 150th England appearance and it was my debut. I came on and there was a penalty and they gave it to me and I managed to score as well.

Maybe scoring in the EURO final against Germany, too, and winning that for the first time was the best feeling ever. It felt like forever when the ball left my foot and finally got in the back of the net. It was just everything I’ve ever dreamed about – playing for your country, playing in a final against Germany at Wembley. When it hit the back of the net, it was every single emotion you could think of. I loved it.

What is one piece of advice your younger self would’ve given you now you’re in this position, playing for England?

I’d just say to enjoy every moment, to make sure you really enjoy the highs because there isn’t that many and believe in yourself because in your journey, there’ll be people that don’t believe in you but if you have that belief in yourself, you’ll go far.