The dream of a World Cup triumph with England remains very much alive for Ivan Toney, who is currently showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in the Saudi Pro League. The 29-year-old Al Ahli striker is pushing for inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fueled by a remarkable season that sees him outscoring even Cristiano Ronaldo.
Toney currently boasts 20 goals in the Saudi Pro League, surpassing Ronaldo’s tally by two. This impressive form comes after a successful Euro 2024 campaign where he secured a runners-up medal, and despite having earned only seven England caps to date – the last in a friendly against Senegal in June of last year – Toney is determined to force his way back into Tuchel’s plans.
“It would be a dream to play there,” Toney told Sky Sports News, reflecting on the possibility of representing his country on the world stage. “Everybody dreams of that, and imagine if we were to win the World Cup? That would be for the country. You have these little visions of what could happen, these kind of things. If it was to come true, it would be a big blessing.”
While acknowledging Harry Kane’s established position as England’s premier striker – whom Toney described as “the best finisher in football” – Toney is focused on maximizing his own opportunities. “My job is to keep scoring goals and hopefully that gives me the best chance of being there,” he stated, demonstrating a clear understanding of the competitive landscape within the national team.
Toney’s move to Al Ahli from Brentford in the summer of 2024 initially raised eyebrows, but the forward appears to be thriving in the Saudi Pro League. He admits the possibility of a return to the Premier League remains open in the future, but his immediate focus is on success with his current club. “I never say never,” Toney explained. “I’ve goals I want to achieve here first, but in football, in life, you never know what’s around the corner. You just take it day-by-day, step-by-step. Hopefully I can achieve something big here first and who knows what the next step is?”
The decision to move to Saudi Arabia, while unexpected for some, doesn’t appear to have diminished Toney’s ambition to represent England. He has consistently maintained that the move wouldn’t jeopardize his international career, and his current form certainly supports that claim. The upcoming months will be crucial as Tuchel assesses his options and finalizes his squad for the World Cup.
Toney’s situation presents Tuchel with an interesting dilemma. While Kane is undoubtedly the first-choice striker, having a proven goalscorer like Toney in reserve could provide valuable tactical flexibility. The England manager will need to weigh Toney’s recent form, his understanding of the international game, and his potential impact on the squad dynamic when making his final selection.
The competition for places in England’s attacking lineup is fierce, with several talented players vying for a spot alongside Kane. However, Toney’s prolific scoring record in the Saudi Pro League, coupled with his unwavering desire to represent his country, has undoubtedly put him firmly in contention for a place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad. His performance in the coming weeks will be closely scrutinized as he continues to chase his dream of lifting the trophy with England.
The success of the Saudi Pro League in attracting high-profile players like Toney and Ronaldo has undoubtedly raised its profile on the global stage. While the league is still relatively new, it is quickly becoming a destination for players seeking a different challenge and the opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. Toney’s experience in Saudi Arabia could prove invaluable to England, providing insights into the playing styles and tactical approaches of potential opponents.
As Toney continues to find the back of the net in the Saudi Pro League, his chances of earning a recall to the England squad will only increase. The 29-year-old is determined to make the most of his opportunities and prove to Tuchel that he deserves a place in the World Cup squad. The stage is set for a thrilling summer, and Toney is ready to embrace the challenge.
