Thomas Tuchel has revealed he has had “one or two honest conversations” with Ivan Toney about his role in the England squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.Â
Toney, who plays in the Saudi Pro League, received a surprise call-up for the tournament after playing just a few minutes under the German coach, getting the nod ahead of the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck.
The 30-year-old has only won seven caps for the national team, the last of which was a substitute appearance in the 3-1 defeat to Senegal last June. That is also his only cap since joining Al-Ahli from Brentford.
Toney is likely to be England’s third-choice striker at the World Cup, behind Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa.
Tuchel says he asked Toney if he can “handle the role” and be happy with it, and the forward reacted positively. He is also impressed by the player’s finishing ability and record from the penalty spot, and believes he can link up well with Kane when the opposition box is crowded.
Tuchel reveals ‘honest’ talks with Toney about England role
“We had a lot of positive feedback about his role in the last tournament, and in club football. He’s a guy who easily connects with everyone in the group, he’s respected by everyone.
“We had one or two honest conversations, if he can handle the role, if he’d be happy to have the role we can offer him. He was very believable and said he would be happy straight away to join.
“He has a big personality, he is one of the world’s best penalty takers. He just showed in training matches he is very calm in finishing, one-touch, two-touch.
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“He gives something to the group that we can use. We have someone we can use if the game is around the opponent’s box to play with Harry, and to be very, very offensive.
“He agreed with all that, his standing with the group was never in doubt because the feedback from his coaches, his former coaches, staff members and team members was always absolutely positive.
“He’s proved that until today.”
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