Frank hails Ivan Toney as ‘the best behind Kane right now’

Thomas Frank has backed Ivan Toney for an England call-up and says the Brentford star is ‘the best behind Harry Kane right now’ when it comes to English forwards.

Toney has been linked with an England call ahead of September’s international fixtures with Italy and Germany, with the 26-year-old having began the Premier League season in fine form.

Toney scored a hat-trick in last weekend’s 5-2 thrashing of Leeds and has five goals from six league fixtures so far this season.

Competition is fierce for a centre-forward role ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, though the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins are struggling for form or fitness.

Frank is in no doubt that Toney has the credentials to step up to international level and believes the forward’s form warrants selection in Gareth Southgate’s squad.

“Obviously Ivan would be delighted if he gets a call-up and he would love to play for England, I know that for a fact,” the Brentford boss said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s fixture with Southampton, since postponed following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

“We hope for it but that is one of his strengths; that he is consistent in everything he does. He was obviously magnificent in every aspect of the (Leeds) game. Three different goals but all three taken with top quality, so I really do hope he gets that call-up.

“I think it would be well deserved but again it is Gareth’s job to pick the best players for England and he has done a very good job so far in doing that. In-form strikers? He must be the best behind Kane right now.”

Read – Picking a best XI from Brazilians currently playing in the Premier League