MX23RW : Friday, November 1 02:37:48| >> :120:47353:47353:

Ivan Toney discusses England recall hopes after Al-Ahli switch

Ivan Toney opens up on England recall hopes
© Imago
Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney opens up about whether he believes that he can still earn an England recall after moving to the Saudi Pro League in the summer transfer window.

Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney has refuted the suggestion that his move to Saudi Arabia has dented his chances of an England recall.

Toney ended his four-year spell with Brentford in August to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League for a reported £40m.

The 28-year-old has failed to earn an England call-up since joining Al-Ahli despite being a part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final.

England interim boss Lee Carsley decided to leave Toney out of his squad for both the September and October international windows.

Instead of Toney, Carsley decided to name Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins as his backup options to Harry Kane in October.

England's Ivan Toney pictured on June 30, 2024 [IMAGO]© Imago

Toney refuses to give up on England recall

Despite being left out of Carsley's squads, Toney revealed that he has held brief discussions with the England interim manager.

"We had a brief conversation, but there's a squad of more than one player that he has to focus on so, we had a brief chat and that was it," Toney told FourFourTwo. "He's got plenty of other players to focus on, and the squad at the time that he chose."

The former Brentford man was defiant in his answer when asked whether he had given up on a recall following his move to Saudi Arabia.

"Of course not – if I did, I'd tell you, but I don't," Toney added. "This league is a tough league. Everyone has their opinion, it doesn't mean it's factual, I'm here to focus on myself and what will be will be. If I was to get back involved on the international stage, I'm ready for it. But if not, then it is what it is."

Thomas Tuchel at first England press conference on October 16, 2024.© Imago

Could Tuchel appointment offer Toney renewed hope?

Carsley will take charge of England's next two UEFA Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November.

The 50-year-old will then hand over the reins to Thomas Tuchel, who was named as Gareth Southgate's permanent successor earlier this month.

Toney will hope that Tuchel's appointment will give him a fresh chance to force his way back into the England setup.

However, there is certainly some doubt as to whether Tuchel would consider picking Toney over strikers competing each week in the Premier League.

Since making the move to Saudi Arabia, Toney has gone on to score four goals and provide two assists in 10 matches in all competitions.

Toney is expected to start when Al-Ahli face Al Ittihad in Thursday's Saudi Pro League clash at King Abdullah Sports City.

ID:556869:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4672:

Click here for more stories about Ollie Watkins

Click here for more stories about England

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Thomas Tuchel at first England press conference on October 16, 2024.
Read Next:
"He's not English" - Legendary Prem boss questions England's Tuchel appointment
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
12.15am
Texans
@
Jets
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City97202091123
2Liverpool97111751222
3Arsenal95311710718
4Aston Villa95311611518
5Chelsea95221911817
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton94411612416
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest9441117416
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs94141810813
9Brentford94141818013
10Fulham93331212012
11Bournemouth93331111012
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9333910-112
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham93241316-311
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd9324811-311
15Leicester CityLeicester92341317-49
16Everton92341016-69
17Crystal Palace9135611-56
18Ipswich TownIpswich9045920-114
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves90271225-132
20Southampton9018619-131


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!