Ivan Toney has said he still harbours hopes of making it into the England squad for this summer’s World Cup and added that he’s sure Thomas Tuchel has “one eye on him” for the tournament.
The former Brentford striker sits atop the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League, with 23 goals in 23 matches for Al Ahli. His side are currently one point clear of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr in the league, and seeking their first title in a decade.
Toney, who left Brentford in 2024, has always made clear that a move to Saudi Arabia doesn’t signal the end of his England career. He was called up by Tuchel for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra in June last year, and came off the bench in the friendly defeat to Senegal.
He hasn’t been part of subsequent squads, but hasn’t given up hope of taking up one of the striker positions for England at this summer’s tournament.
“Of course, there’s going to be eyes on that,” Toney said in an interview to talkSport.
“But I can only control what I can control, which is trying to score goals and do well for my team here.
“I’m sure goals will get me recognised and help me push close to being in the frame. But there’s a lot of other great strikers and a lot of competition.
“I’m sure the coach will choose the best team possible to give the country the best chance of winning something at the World Cup.”
Toney was part of the England squad at their last major tournament, and made key contributions off the bench in their run to the Euro 2024 final.
When asked if he has spoken with Tuchel, the forward said: “No, there’s been no conversation.
“But I don’t expect there to be, because he’s got so many other players he has to be watching.
“I’m sure he’s keeping one eye on me and seeing what I’m doing. I just have to be focused on myself, keep my head down and keep scoring goals.
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“I’m sure it will come his way and it will give myself an opportunity.
“Like I said before, I know what I can bring to a team and goals is part of my game. Hopefully that’s enough.”
