Toney was a key figure in helping England reach the Euro 2024 final this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Ivan Toni received a great World Cup call-up. England manager Thomas Tuchel will include Tony’s name in his 26-man squad in an announcement on Friday. The 30-year-old has spent the past 12 months in the international wilderness, scoring an impressive 42 goals in 37 appearances for Al Ahly in the Saudi Professional League.
On May 11, Tuchel is considering bringing the former Brentford striker back into his role after a significant absence. Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire have all dropped out, but Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Jordan Henderson and Kobie Mainu are all expected to feature.
Watkins was left out of the England squad in March, but the Aston Villa frontman earned his call-up after an exceptional run of form, including starring in the Europa League final victory.
Foden will be absent due to limited game time at Manchester City, while Palmer will also be missed after a difficult season plagued by poor form and fitness concerns.
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
With Luke Shaw sidelined and Manchester United teammate Maguire also cruelly cut by Tuchel, this decision could well spell the end of his international career.
Maguire, 33, had enjoyed a strong second half of the season and was hopeful of breaking into the squad, with Tuchel making it clear in March that he was effectively the sixth choice to play centre-half after Dan Byrne, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and John Stones.
Ollie Watkins has also returned to the England squad. (Image: Getty Images)
Maguire said in a statement: “After the season so far, I was confident that I could play a key role for my country this summer. I am shocked and disappointed by this decision. I wish the players all the best.”
Tuchel announced his 26-player squad on Friday, which is scheduled to depart for Florida on June 1, while the Arsenal squad is expected to join up with their teammates later that week.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17th.
England (possible): Pickford, Henderson, Trafford.
James, Quansah, Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly, Byrne, Louis Skelly
Rice, Anderson, Mainu, Henderson, Rogers, Eze, Bellingham.
Saka, Maduke, Rashford, Gordon
Sign up now for the Make Football Great Again newsletter and get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox!
