Manager Thomas Tuchel has named Al Ahly striker Ivan Toney in his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ivan Toney has secured a place in the England squad (Image: Getty Images)
Ivan Tony is an incredible story of redemption, secret reconnaissance missions, and misunderstandings. Former Brentford striker Toney’s England career appeared to be truly over as he remained sidelined in the cold since coming on as an 88th-minute substitute in the friendly defeat to Senegal last June.
It ended badly with Tony dissatisfied, Thomas Tuchel saw no future in him and even three months ago the idea that the No. 9 could get on a plane to the World Cup couldn’t have felt more ridiculous.
Yet, 12 months on from Tony’s low point, England manager Tuchel has chosen the 30-year-old to join his 26-man squad as one of three strikers this summer.
Toney’s journey to England began in March 2023, when he was still at Brentford, making his debut and scoring a goal in the Premier League against Ukraine.
Tony had a colorful and wide-ranging journey through the lower leagues, scoring goals and proving himself as a strong and prolific target man in the top flight.
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It was capped off by Toney’s call-up for Euro 2024, where he scored in the penalty shootout, and his ability from the penalty spot proved to be a key factor once again.
But after the Euros, Tony took a big gamble and left the Premier League to join Al-Ahly of the Saudi Professional League. He was cast in a role where he sold his soul and moved to the Middle East for money, which was seen as the final nail in his England career.
Tuchel did not attend the Saudi Pro League and looked like an outcast until the England manager called him to camp in June last summer. Toney did not play a single minute in the match against Andorra and only two minutes in the match against Senegal at the City Ground, which Senegal won 3-1.
By all accounts Toney wasn’t sharp or fully fit as he hadn’t trained enough, but Tuchel was also unimpressed and Toney only played two minutes.
Both sides were dissatisfied, and with Tuchel unable to contain his dissatisfaction, Toney’s career seemed to be over. Tuchel didn’t think he had such a player in Tony, didn’t care about him playing for England and was virtually under the radar.
Ivan Toney has done enough to win back Thomas Tuchel’s trust (Image: Getty Images)
But in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tony really enjoys playing for England, even if it doesn’t always show. Playing in the Euros was a career highlight and he has said so publicly.
Toney turned down a move to Europe in January, firmly believing he could return to the England squad, but that still seemed a long way off.
But two important things happened behind the scenes. England coach Justin Cochrane, a member of Tuchel’s backroom staff, knew Toney and supported his cause within the system. He knows him, likes him, knows his personality and personality.
England also played two friendlies in March against Japan and Uruguay. Ollie Watkins has been ruled out. Dom Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin auditioned. The Leeds striker returned home after the first game and Solanke is currently injured.
The day after the Japan game, Tuchel, Coquelin and Anthony Barry all had a thorough meeting and agreed there were issues that needed to be resolved. This included an assault force. What else can they do besides Harry Kane?
Toni has been sensational for Al Ahly this season (Image: Getty Images)
They’ve been very impressed with Watkins and his response to being ruled out in March. That’s why he came back. They also agreed to see Tony again. He’s been scoring goals for Saudi – 42 goals in 37 games – and they needed to check him again and see what his level is.
Cochrane traveled to Saudi Arabia, and although it was not publicized or known at the time, he observed Tony, checked on how he was doing, and spoke to him. Tony and Cochran go way back. Coquelin is incredibly well thought of within the FA and England set-up.
That was the way home. Tony is also a penalty specialist. Tuchel made it clear last November that he would speak to all his players and keep in touch, with visits, phone calls or Zoom calls.
Coach Tuchel spoke with Toney and suddenly it was decided that he would return. It was clear that Tony had a passion for England, was in good form and was a strong option.
Tuchel also believes England will face at least two penalty shootouts across the country if they go all the way. Tony could make a difference and also knew the parameters that he had to be Kane’s backup – and was happy with that.
In recent weeks, there has been growing speculation that Tony would return. In recent days, that belief has grown even more, and the story of return and redemption is complete.
It’s a great U-turn. An incredible comeback that ends with Tony flying to the US. If he gets even one minute against Croatia on June 17th or later, it would be an incredible redemption story.
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