England head coach Thomas Tuchel has named his squad for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. One of the more surprising inclusions in the squad is former Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The 30-year-old has not featured for England in nearly a year, with his last Three Lions appearance coming in June 2025.
Toney Has Been In Brilliant Form This Season
One of the main reasons for Toney’s selection for the 26-man squad has been his outstanding goalscoring form in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli. Toney has scored 42 goals in all competitions this season, including 32 in as many appearances in the Saudi top flight.
He outscored veteran Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, and only Al Qadsiah’s Colombian star Julián Quiñones outscored him in the Pro League, scoring just one league goal.
@touchlinegrid Should Toney have been called up👇 #englishfootball #viral #tuchel #worldcup ♬ original sound – –
Toney is no doubt an attacking threat and offers a different option to the likes of captain Harry Kane and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Toney will be a useful player to have on the bench if England need a goal and have to go more direct with their play, as he proved at Euro2024 when he came on against Slovakia in the last 16 to assist Harry Kane’s winning goal.
Who Missed Out On The England Squad?
Some familiar faces missed out on the Three Lions squad, including Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
The omission of Foden and Palmer has caused a particular stir amongst England fans and journalists alike. The attacking pair are considered to be two of England’s most technical players.
However, both players have struggled for form this season, with niggling injuries hampering Palmer’s campaign. Alexander-Arnold’s form in his debut campaign in Spain hasn’t been the best either.
Harry Maguire was understandably upset at his omission from the squad. With the dearth of quality centre-backs available, his omission is maybe a slight surprise, especially as the United defender has been a mainstay of England squads at big tournaments in recent years.
Many have questioned Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection for the World Cup. However, only time will tell whether his decisions prove right and guide the Three Lions’ men’s team to their first major tournament win since 1966.