Ivan Toney won widespread praise for his “no-look” penalty in England’s flawless shoot-out victory over Switzerland in the Euros on Saturday.
The striker already had a reputation for performing the trick – in which he fixes his stare on the opposing goalkeeper instead of looking in the direction of his kick or the goal – for his club side Brentford.
But his move on the international stage has helped the 28-year-old pick up a legion of new admirers and prompted a flurry of memes on social media.
And now it has emerged that his “no-look” talents extend beyond football – according to a new tongue-in-cheek video posted by the England team on social media.
“Ice cold” Ivan is shown living up to his nickname by seemingly reading a Harry Potter book and hitting a bullseye in darts without looking, as well as sinking a basketball and playing Connect Four.
On target. Pic: England/X
The forward said he was pleased his shot was one of “five great penalties” which helped England secure a place in the tournament’s semi-finals.
He said of the technique: “It’s been working for me, and hopefully it can continue.”
‘Nine times out of 10 the keeper will move’
In a previous interview with Sky Sports, Toney said he used to take penalties by “smashing it” but changed his strategy after missing one.
“I wait for the keeper to make his move, I wait until the last second, if that,” he explained.
“If the keeper doesn’t move I have a side I just put the ball, but nine times out of ten the keeper will move and I put it in the other side.
“The closer you are to the ball, it gives the keeper less chance of reacting quickly enough.”
Toney said his technique had been inspired by former Manchester United star Paul Pogba, who takes penalties with a slow run-up.
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The England striker absorbs JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – without looking at its pages. Pic: England/X
Toney shooting hoops. Pic: England/X
‘Toney disgusted to be brought on for dying seconds’
However, despite his starring role in England’s shoot-out triumph, Toney has had minimal game time for England during the tournament so far.
Manager Gareth Southgate previously revealed the player had been “disgusted” when he was only brought on as a substitute in the dying seconds of normal time in England’s last-16 clash against Slovakia.
The Three Lions managed to grab a last-gasp equaliser thanks to a Jude Bellingham wonder goal, before securing victory with a Harry Kane header – assisted by Toney – in extra time.
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Back of the net: Toney scores for England in the shoot-out. Pic: AP/Hassan Ammar
Sports psychologist credited for helping with pressure
Toney has credited sports psychologist Michael Caulfield, who works with Brentford, for helping him to stay cool under pressure.
Mr Caulfield praised the forward for his “remarkable” technique, but said his “cheeky” personality, as seen in the video, also helped explain why he was so good.
Describing his penalty, he told Sky Sports News: “There’s a great skill and years of practice behind it, and a bucket-load of courage, confidence and trust in that technique and in that process.
“We’re all talking about it now, but at Brentford, in particular, we’ve been seeing it for years…
“I would just call it his penalty and his routine. He completely owns that penalty and he’s got it down to a pretty good art now.”
Toney only returned to playing professional football in January after a lengthy absence.
It came after he was handed an eight-month ban and £50,000 fine for breaking betting rules.