IVAN TONEY claims he has been proved right by making his controversial move to Saudi Arabia.
The former striker, who moved to in August 2024, is a shock call-up in ’s squad.
Ivan Toney is backing himself to succeed at the World Cup Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The striker knows his role heading into the tournament Credit: Getty
Speaking to Sport, Toney said: “There was a lot of talk by people saying I’d gone out to Saudi and it has ruined my chances of being in the mix but I don’t listen to outside noise.
”Everybody was writing me off that I wasn’t gonna be involved in the picture but you to have that spiritual feeling that you can turn things round and I’m sat here with you.
“You have to have an aura. A swagger has to be there. In life, not just in , be fearless.”
Toney, 30, who earns £400,000-a-week in , had made one just brief appearance for Tuchel as a substitute against a year ago before being selected for the World Cup.
He won his eighth cap against in Tampa on Saturday and is one of three central strikers to be picked alongside and .
He is set to get more minutes against in tonight.
Asked about his feelings when being called-up, Toney said: “Just excitement, really.
“. It’s a big mission we are all on and we are ready to fight for the country.”
He was not able to play for his club or country until his suspension ended in January 2024.
Two months later, he scored his first England goal against .
: “I was not happy with the June camp. He knows that. It was not a matter of his character.
“And we had to clear the air after that. That was the first step to even start thinking about calling him up again, because I was not happy.
“Then, me and the coaching team started talking more deeply about the team and started talking about different scenarios and what would be the most offensive line-up if we go 1-0 down with 15 minutes to play and we need a goal.
“Then his name came up constantly. , because he thinks that he takes the attention off him.
“He is even more of an old-school No9 than Harry himself. So would he be a player you would like to fall the ball down to if there is a ricochet in the box? Yes. Absolutely.
“And we try to build a strong set-piece squad. He can have his role there, defensively and offensively, and he is a world-class penalty taker. He ticks a lot of boxes.
“It was necessary that we talked with him again and clarified with him if he’s happy to come.
“The closest to him was then because he’s also strong in the air.”
Where to buy England's 2026 World Cup kits
ENGLAND are dreaming of World Cup glory in North America this summer.
And you can show your support for Thomas Tuchel’s men by wearing the new Nike kits.
The white home jersey and red away strip were unveiled and went on sale in March.
England home and away kits can be purchased online at the England Store .
The AeroFIT kits cost £134.99 for adults, while the Stadium kit costs £89.99.
A full kids’ kit – shirt, shorts, socks – costs £54.99.
*If you click on a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
