Why Ivan Toney Could Be Key to England’s World Cup Hopes

The inclusion of the former Brentford striker has sparked confusion and debate online, but here’s why Ivan Toney may turn out to be crucial to England’s World Cup hopes this summer.

While the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire will feel disappointed after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad, players such as Ivan Toney, Djed Spence and Jarrell Quansah are perhaps surprised to be traveling to North America this summer.

The 30-year-old Al-Ahli striker has played just seven minutes of international football since the European Championships in 2024.

So the question is, why has Tuchel decided to include Toney in his 26-man squad?

Many expect the striker to play a similar role to what he did during Euro 2024, a back-up for Harry Kane, making cameos from the substitutes’ bench when England are chasing the game or perhaps heading for a penalty shootout.

Against Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the Euros, this came in handy, with Toney scoring his spot kick on the way to progressing through to the semi-final, beating the Netherlands in the last minute thanks to a late Ollie Watkins goal, who also features in Tuchel’s squad.

Toney’s record of 36 goals in 85 Premier League games equates to almost a goal every other game, and he has been even more prolific in the Saudi Pro League, where he has found the net 55 times in 62 matches over two seasons.

For context, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 53 times in 60 appearances in the same division.

“[It was] also a bit of a surprise to us [his inclusion],” said Tuchel. “When it came down to all different kinds of scenarios, he was back in the picture.

“I had fantastic feedback from his club coach, who was my player, and I have a close connection with him, always fantastic feedback about his role there, about his ability, his fitness.”

“We could see that he still collects the numbers. I think he has very special skills that could help us in the situations and scenarios when we are chasing a result,” added Tuchel.

“I think he can be a very valuable addition to Harry Kane, he can be present in the box when we are pushing for a goal.

“He can take attention off other strikers, he has a natural presence within the box, he is a natural finisher, he can help us with set-pieces – he is very strong in there. Very good in using his body and not to forget, he is a world class penalty taker. He ticks some boxes that we wanted to be ticked.”

The Three Lions, who reached the semi-finals in Russia in 2018 and the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago, face Croatia in their opening Group L fixture on Wednesday, 17 June with a 9pm kick off.