Ivan Toney will soon find out whether he’ll represent England at the FIFA World Cup next month
Ivan Toney will be hoping his extraordinary goalscoring exploits this campaign will secure him a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
The Three Lions manager announces his 26-man selection for the tournament on Friday, with his attacking options generating considerable debate. The Al-Ahli forward has netted an astonishing 42 goals across 48 appearances this season, including 32 in league competition.
A clinical finisher and exceptionally dependable from 12 yards, the 30-year-old could emerge as a valuable asset in Tuchel’s plans. Driven by his outstanding goalscoring form, Al-Ahli secured their second successive AFC Champions League Elite crown following victory over Japanese outfit Machida Zelvia in last month’s final.
The England international has found the net eight times in his previous nine outings, helping his side seal Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. Nevertheless, the abundance of quality amongst England’s striking options presents the former Chelsea manager with a difficult decision ahead of his maiden major tournament at the helm.
We examine Toney’s possible England recall, his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo and his previous connections with Tuchel.
Spectacular Al-Ahli form
In January 2026, Toney delivered a masterclass during a crucial encounter with Al-Khaleej. With Al-Ahli requiring victory to secure second spot, the forward tore the match apart with a stunning hat-trick inside 18 second-half minutes.
However, his fierce competition for this season’s Golden Boot reached boiling point in March. Al-Ahli endured a devastating 3-2 loss to Brendan Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah. Toney opened the scoring with a composed finish for his 25th goal of the campaign, but tensions erupted after the final whistle.
Toney became embroiled in a heated physical confrontation and post-match altercation with Al-Qadsiah’s leading marksman Julián Quiñones, who sits just behind him in the scoring rankings. Team-mates were forced to intervene before the situation escalated further.
More recently, Toney rediscovered his finest form with another magnificent hat-trick during a 3-1 victory over Al-Fateh, propelling him to the summit of the league’s scoring standings.
A key factor behind Toney’s remarkable tally has been his understanding with Riyad Mahrez and Galeno. He has profited enormously from the former Manchester City winger’s exceptional delivery and creativity, helping establish Al-Ahli as one of the division’s most dangerous attacking outfits.
Cristiano Ronaldo argument
Toney didn’t hesitate to highlight what he perceived as refereeing errors during Al-Ahli’s 1-1 stalemate with Al-Fayha last month. His team surrendered two vital points in their title race with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
The 30-year-old used Instagram to criticise several penalty appeals that were dismissed during the match, with numerous supporters online suggesting Toney’s remarks indicate Al-Nassr were deliberately given preferential treatment by match officials.
He posted: “Two of these actions went to VAR and one didn’t. It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye. And without saying too much that may get me in trouble, it’s clear what’s being influenced here!!!
“Also with the referee telling us to concentrate on a different competition whilst VAR is going on is beyond me. And to add with the referee agreeing that the first one was a penalty in the 90+ minute like that’s going to help. But listen I guess I’m probably the bad guy for speaking some truths and pointing out questionable decisions or sh*t refereeing.”
During his post-match interview, an incensed Toney stated: “I don’t know if the referee turned off his microphone before he said what he told me: ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.’ This is why we need the audio recordings to be released, so the fans can see the truth.”
Stunning England reunion
Thomas Tuchel is poised to select three strikers in his England World Cup squad, with Toney potentially making a remarkable return to the England setup. The forward hasn’t represented England since appearing in last year’s friendly fixture against Senegal.
Harry Kane remains the nation’s skipper and first-choice striker, yet with two berths still available in Tuchel’s attacking line, the door remains firmly open for Toney. He will face stiff competition from the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Welbeck, both of whom have enjoyed prolific campaigns in front of goal.
Past Tuchel dealings
Tuchel is no stranger to Toney’s qualities, having called the striker into the England fold last year for friendlies against Andorra and Senegal. That remains his most recent international appearance, with the German coach acknowledging at the time that his performances at Al-Ahli were a significant factor behind his selection.
The England manager said: “He deserves to be with us and I am convinced because he scored over 20 goals for his team this season. He won a major title with the Asian Champions League, he had a big contribution with goals and assists.
“I said last time [in March] that I would try to put a visit in my schedule [to Saudi Arabia] which I didn’t make, so I thought bring him [Toney] over and let him travel with us.”
