Ivan Toney deserves to be in England squad, says Thomas Tuchel

London: Head coach Thomas Tuchel fully backed the return of Ivan Toney after the 29-year-old was called up to the England squad for the first time since joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Toney was a part of the England squad which lost in the 2024 European Championship finals, in which he appeared as a substitute, but was left out of Tuchel’s squad in March. However, 28 goals in 42 appearances for Al-Ahli this season saw him earn his place back.

“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 in the Asian Champions League, and he made a big contribution with goals and assists.

“It is a good occasion now to also test new players, see new players in the environment. We decided to nominate three strikers in the squad. I had a call with Dom Solanke who deserved to be with us and won a big trophy this season but he was in camp already and I have a clear picture of what he can bring and now is the moment to see new players and get a feel for them in the group,” said Tuchel in a press conference.

The German coach also explained that Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi’s injury resulted in a first senior call-up to Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah, with the defender having previously represented England from U16s through to U21s level. IANS

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