Toney never feared Al-Ahli move would end England career

Ivan Toney insisted that he never had any worries about his chances of playing for England again following his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli last August.

Toney earned a surprise recall to Thomas Tuchel’s ranks for England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra and next Tuesday’s friendly against Senegal.

The 29-year-old, who last featured for England in their 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final last July, has made six appearances for his country since his debut in 2023.

Toney completed a move to Al-Ahli from Brentford last summer, going on to score 30 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, while also notching six assists.

The forward gave an emphatic “no” when asked at a training camp in Girona on Wednesday if he thought moving to Saudi Arabia may affect his England chances.

“You see with me I think if you’re just doing the right thing, playing football, playing well and scoring goals – a striker’s job, that’s what you’re in a team to do,” Toney said.

“It doesn’t matter where you play in the world, I feel like you should still get the chance.

“I think it’s been proven me being me being back here and being back amongst the boys. It feels good to see the faces again, and it feels good to get stuck in.”

Indeed, only Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals (25) in the Saudi Pro League this season than Toney (23).

The England forward ended with more goals than former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema (21) and ex-Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (19).

“I feel like I’m in good form. As you see, I’m here, I’m still scoring goals,” added Toney. “So, hopefully I can keep doing that and be in the mix for the World Cup.”