Saudi-based Ivan Toney recalled to England squad by Thomas Tuchel
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Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney scoring against Al-Hilal in a Saudi Pro League game in February.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – England manager Thomas Tuchel insisted striker Ivan Toney “deserves” his surprise recall for the upcoming internationals against Andorra and Senegal.
It is a first call-up for the 29-year-old since he left Brentford to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli last August. Toney, who has scored 22 goals in 29 Saudi Pro League games, made the last of his six England appearances in the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.
“Ivan deserves to be with us, I think, and I’m convinced because he scored over 20 goals this season,” Tuchel said.
“He won a major title with the Asian Champions League, in goals and assists made a huge contribution. I thought why not bring him over and let him travel to us? It’s a good occasion now to also test new players, see new players, meet Ivan first and see him in the environment.”
The 51-year-old German has also given a first senior call-up to Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
The Sierra Leone-born Chalobah has played 32 times for Crystal Palace and then Chelsea this season as they chase Champions League qualification and target victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final on May 28.
“He played a fantastic second half of the season with Chelsea. He is very, very consistent on a very high level,” Tuchel said.
Manchester City’s Phil Foden was left out days after opening up about his mental-health struggles.
Foden, who is struggling with an ankle injury, revealed his mental state has suffered throughout a difficult season for the attacker.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was selected despite reports that he needs surgery on a shoulder problem after the Club World Cup.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer and Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher are among eight players in the squad who will also be involved in the Club World Cup in the United States.
England face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier in Barcelona on June 7 before a friendly with Senegal in Nottingham three days later.
The Club World Cup starts just four days after England’s second game of the international break.
“I could see the reasons for the players who go to the Club World Cup to maybe leave a bit earlier, to maybe change the squad. We had a good discussion over if we nominate the squad without Club World Cup players,” Tuchel said.
“Very quickly we understood that it’s also important for us. It’s only one year to go until the World Cup.
“So why send players away? We want to cherish and worship every day that we have together, and what signal will be sent to the group to send players away?”
Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and forward Bukayo Saka are back in the international fold after injuries ruled them out of England’s wins over Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifiers in March.
There was no place again for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, with Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke and West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen also left out. AFP
