Toney’s red-hot form not enough for England recall | OneFootball

The open spot as backup to Harry Kane has proved the perfect fuel for Ivan Toney to rediscover his goalscoring touch in the Arab world. With an eye on a place at the FIFA World Cup, the England forward is enjoying the most prolific season of his career.

In his second year in Saudi football, Toney has reached 34 goals, along with eight assists, in 38 matches. That return of more than a goal contribution per game surpasses his debut season at Brentford, when he scored 33 times in 52 appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.

The centre-forward hit his new personal best on a dramatic night in the Saudi King’s Cup. Toney scored a late equaliser for Al-Ahli against Al Hilal to force extra time, only to miss in the subsequent penalty shootout as his side were eliminated. He still finished as the competition’s top scorer with six goals in four matches.

Toney also leads the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League, averaging a goal per game with 25 so far.

Still chasing a World Cup place

Despite his form, Toney has been left out of Tuchel’s latest England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay national football team and Japan national football team. The omission is another setback in his bid to secure a role behind Kane.

Under Tuchel, several options have been tested, and no clear deputy has emerged. Toney has earned seven caps and scored once for England, but with time running out before the World Cup, his route back into the squad is becoming increasingly uncertain.