Ivan Toney has secured a spot in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup, completing a stunning career revival that seemed impossible just months ago. Thomas Tuchel named the Al-Ahli striker in his 26-man squad for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, marking an incredible turnaround for the 30-year-old.
From Outcast to Key Player
Toney's England career appeared over after he was limited to an 88th-minute substitute appearance in a friendly defeat to Senegal last June. That match ended badly, with Toney unhappy and Tuchel seeing no future for him. Even three months ago, the idea of Toney being on the plane to the World Cup seemed absurd.
Yet, 12 months on from his lowest point, Tuchel has selected Toney as one of three strikers for the tournament. Toney's England journey began with his debut against Ukraine in March 2023 while at Brentford, where he was scoring goals in the Premier League. He had a colourful journey through the lower leagues before proving himself as a potent target man in the top flight.
Euro 2024 and the Saudi Gamble
Toney earned a call-up for Euro 2024, playing in the tournament and scoring in a shoot-out. His penalty ability has been a key factor in his recall. However, after the Euros, Toney left the Premier League to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, a move seen as selling his soul for money. Tuchel did not visit him in Saudi, and Toney looked like an outcast.
Tuchel called him up for a June camp last summer, but Toney did not get a minute against Andorra and only two against Senegal, which ended in a 3-1 defeat. Toney did not train well, and Tuchel was unimpressed. Both sides were disaffected, and Toney's England career seemed over.
Behind-the-Scenes Revival
Contrary to appearances, Toney genuinely enjoys playing for England. He turned down moves to Europe in January, believing he could return to the England set-up. Two significant behind-the-scenes developments helped his cause. England coach Justin Cochrane, a member of Tuchel's backroom staff, knows Toney well and supported him within the setup.
In March, England played friendlies against Japan and Uruguay. Ollie Watkins was left out, while Dom Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were given auditions. After the Japan game, Tuchel, Cochrane, and Anthony Barry held an exhaustive meeting, agreeing they had problems with the strike force beyond Harry Kane. They were impressed by Watkins' response to being left out, and they decided to look again at Toney.
Secret Scouting Mission
Cochrane went to Saudi Arabia, unpublicised at the time, to watch Toney, check his form, and speak with him. Toney has been scoring prolifically for Al-Ahli—42 goals in 37 games. Tuchel also spoke with Toney, and the return was back on. Toney is a penalty specialist, and Tuchel believes England could face at least two penalty shoot-outs in the tournament. Toney accepted his role as Harry Kane's back-up.
For the past few weeks, belief grew that Toney would be back in the squad. His comeback and redemption story is now complete, with Toney set to fly to the United States for the World Cup.
