Should Ivan Toney Be Part of the England Squad?
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Synopsis
As Ivan Toney makes his return to the England squad, head coach Thomas Tuchel champions his selection. Toney, after an impressive season in the Saudi Pro League, has proven himself worthy of this opportunity. Discover why Tuchel believes Toney's inclusion is pivotal for the national team.
Key Takeaways
- Ivan Toney returns to the England squad after a stellar season.
- He scored 28 goals for Al-Ahli, showcasing his talent.
- Tuchel emphasizes the need for new talent in the team.
- Marc Guehi's injury leads to Trevoh Chalobah's call-up.
- Team performance and contributions are key factors in selections.
London, May 23 (NationPress) Head coach Thomas Tuchel has expressed strong support for Ivan Toney after the 29-year-old forward received his first call-up to the England national team since transferring to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Toney previously participated in the squad during the 2024 European Championship finals, where he played as a substitute, but was omitted from Tuchel's squad in March. His impressive tally of 28 goals in 42 matches this season with Al-Ahli has rightfully secured his spot.
"He absolutely deserves this opportunity, and I am confident in his capabilities given that he has netted over 20 goals for his team this season. Additionally, he played a significant role in clinching a major title in the Asian Champions League, contributing through both goals and assists.
"This is also a great chance to evaluate new talent and see how they integrate into our environment. We opted to include three strikers in the squad. I had a conversation with Dom Solanke, who also deserved a spot after his trophy-winning season, but he was already in camp, and I have a clear understanding of what he brings. Now is the time to assess new players and gauge their fit within the group," Tuchel stated during a press conference.
The German manager further elaborated that Marc Guehi, the captain of Crystal Palace, suffered an injury, leading to the first senior call-up for Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea, who has previously represented England at U16 through U21 levels.
"Marc was initially expected to join us. He plays a key role for Crystal Palace and was vital in their recent FA Cup victory. However, he sustained a facial injury in the final, and the medical team advised against taking any risks with his health.
"As for Trevoh, he fully deserves this call-up. It’s that straightforward. He has delivered an exceptional performance during the second half of the season with Chelsea, maintaining a high level of consistency," he concluded.
Point of View
It’s crucial to highlight that Ivan Toney’s return to the England squad is based on merit and performance. Tuchel's support underscores the importance of recognizing talent, especially after a strong showing in international and club competitions. This decision aligns with our commitment to fair representation in national sports.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ivan Toney left out of the squad in March?
Ivan Toney was left out of the squad in March as he was not performing at the level expected at the time.
How many goals did Ivan Toney score this season?
Ivan Toney scored 28 goals in 42 appearances for Al-Ahli this season.
Who is replacing Marc Guehi in the squad?
Trevoh Chalobah has received his first senior call-up to replace Marc Guehi due to Guehi's injury.
What title did Toney help his team win?
Ivan Toney played a significant role in helping Al-Ahli win the Asian Champions League.
What did Tuchel say about including new players?
Tuchel mentioned that it is a good opportunity to test and assess new players in the squad.
