Ivan Toney Recalled to England Squad After Al-Ahli Success

Former Brentford Star Back in the Mix Ahead of June Internationals

Ivan Toney has earned a surprise recall to the England national team for the upcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal, marking his first call-up since joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli from Brentford last summer.

A Reward for Stellar Form in Saudi Arabia

The 29-year-old striker, who last featured for England in their Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, has impressed on the domestic stage with Al-Ahli. Toney has netted 28 goals in 42 appearances this season, a tally that convinced England head coach Thomas Tuchel to include him in the squad after leaving him out in March.

“He deserves to be with us,” said Tuchel. “He scored over 20 goals this season and played a key role in winning the Asian Champions League. I wasn’t able to visit Saudi Arabia as planned, so bringing him into camp gives us the chance to evaluate him up close.”

Key Fixtures in June

England will face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on 7 June before hosting Senegal in a friendly at the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest, on 10 June.

Squad Talking Points

Tuchel’s squad has sparked debate due to some bold selections and omissions. Notably, eight players have been selected from clubs involved in the upcoming Club World Cup—Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has been included despite requiring shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup, while Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah receives his first senior call-up. Chalobah, a former Tuchel protégé at Chelsea, steps in with Marc Guehi sidelined due to an eye injury.

Arsenal’s rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly also makes the squad, continuing his breakout season and filling the left-back role.

Notable Absentees

Manchester City’s Phil Foden is a high-profile omission, having cited off-field issues and an ankle injury as reasons for his dip in form. Manchester United, meanwhile, have no players included, with Rashford (injury), Maguire, Shaw, and Mainoo all missing out.

Dominic Solanke, fresh off a Europa League win, and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen have also been left out, with Tuchel noting he wants to assess new players during this window. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy are other in-form names who missed the cut.

Tuchel personally called Guehi to explain his exclusion, emphasizing the need for recovery after the Palace defender suffered a severe eye injury in the FA Cup final.

Ben White’s Absence Explained

Arsenal defender Ben White has not featured for England since March 2022 and made himself unavailable during Gareth Southgate’s final months in charge. Tuchel revealed that White was in contention but opted out due to the imminent birth of his first child.

“We decided it’s not the right time,” said Tuchel. “He’s about to become a father, and we felt he should come back to the team when fully focused.”

Full England Squad – June Internationals

Goalkeepers:
Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Man City)

Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Forwards:
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Analysis: Selection Raises Eyebrows

Senior football analysts have pointed out the controversial inclusions of players like Toney and Jordan Henderson, both of whom are currently playing outside Europe’s top five leagues. Critics argue this may suggest a “closed-shop” feel to squad selection, potentially discouraging others who are thriving in stronger domestic competitions.

Nonetheless, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, Tuchel appears to be shaping his vision for England ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Toney Recalled as Tuchel Names Bold England Squad