Ivan Toney discusses England recall hopes after Al-Ahli switch

Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney has refuted the suggestion that his move to Saudi Arabia has dented his chances of an England recall.

Toney ended his four-year spell with Brentford in August to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League for a reported £40m.

The 28-year-old has failed to earn an England call-up since joining Al-Ahli despite being a part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final.

England interim boss Lee Carsley decided to leave Toney out of his squad for both the September and October international windows.

Instead of Toney, Carsley decided to name Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins as his backup options to Harry Kane in October.

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Toney refuses to give up on England recall

Despite being left out of Carsley’s squads, Toney revealed that he has held brief discussions with the England interim manager.

“We had a brief conversation, but there’s a squad of more than one player that he has to focus on so, we had a brief chat and that was it,” Toney told FourFourTwo. “He’s got plenty of other players to focus on, and the squad at the time that he chose.”

The former Brentford man was defiant in his answer when asked whether he had given up on a recall following his move to Saudi Arabia.

“Of course not – if I did, I’d tell you, but I don’t,” Toney added. “This league is a tough league. Everyone has their opinion, it doesn’t mean it’s factual, I’m here to focus on myself and what will be will be. If I was to get back involved on the international stage, I’m ready for it. But if not, then it is what it is.”

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Could Tuchel appointment offer Toney renewed hope?

Carsley will take charge of England’s next two UEFA Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November.

The 50-year-old will then hand over the reins to Thomas Tuchel, who was named as Gareth Southgate‘s permanent successor earlier this month.

Toney will hope that Tuchel’s appointment will give him a fresh chance to force his way back into the England set-up.

However, there is certainly some doubt as to whether Tuchel would consider picking Toney over strikers competing each week in the Premier League.

Since making the move to Saudi Arabia, Toney has gone on to score four goals and provide two assists in 10 matches in all competitions.

Toney is expected to start when Al-Ahli face Al Ittihad in Thursday’s Saudi Pro League clash at King Abdullah Sports City.

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