Ivan Toney hits back at critics who say he should not be in the England squad | OneFootball

Ivan Toney has hit back at the critics who say he should not be in the England squad because he now plays his football in Saudi Arabia.

The former Brentford striker moved to Al Ahli last summer, and has scored 30 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions for the club.

His form earned him a recall to the Three Lions squad under new boss Thomas Tuchel, having not played for his country since Euro 2024.

And the 29-year-old says the criticism of the Saudi Pro League is not fair.

“If you’re doing the right things, playing football, playing well and scoring goals, as a striker that’s your job,” he said when asked about his recall to the squad. “That’s what you’re in the team to do.

“It doesn’t matter where you play in the world, I feel like you should still get the chance and I think it’s been proven, me being back here and back among the boys.

“It feels good to see all the faces again and to get stuck in. It’s always tough missing out on the squad but I think that’s part of the game.

“You have to be strong, stick at it and keep doing what you do best. I managed to do that and I managed to get the recall which is a nice feeling.

“Everyone always has their opinion. They are going to have their opinion on everything. You have to witness it and be there to realise what it’s like. You can’t have an opinion on something you’ve never seen. People assume certain things without seeing it.

“I suggest people have a look before they start making judgements. It’s tough, it’s not easy. There’s some good footballers and it’s going in the right direction. I’m sure it will continue to do that over the years.”

Toney also says he is looking forward to working with Tuchel, with England taking on Andorra in Spain on Saturday before hosting Senegal at the City Ground on Tuesday.

“Everyone knows his strengths,” he said. “He’s a top manager, he’s been at the biggest clubs and he knows how to work with top players.

“I think he knows how to win games and win trophies so if we stick with him I’m sure it will come good.”