Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Ivan Toney wants to offer more to England at the World Cup than just being a penalty specialist.
Toney was a surprise call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad, with the forward having not featured for the Three Lions since June 2025.
The 30-year-old plundered 32 goals for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League in 2025-26, with 10 of those being penalties.
Prior to his move to Saudi Arabia, Toney scored 72 goals during his time at Brentford, with 23 of those coming from the spot. He only missed one penalty across his time with the Bees.
Toney is yet to feature for England at this tournament, but he is hoping his role is not just limited to coming on in a penalty shoot-out.
“I like to think I bring more than just penalties,” he said.
“I think I can bring more to the game.
“But if I’m just to come on for one minute and take a penalty, I’d never turn that down, I’m here to help the team.”
Toney also revealed he spoke to Tuchel after he played just two minutes during England’s fixtures in June last year, after which Tuchel suggested he was unhappy with the forward’s commitment levels.
“It wasn’t really an apologising situation on both sides,” Toney said. “I think it was just more of because he doesn’t really know me as a person.
“So it was more like just speaking, diving in deeper on what I’m about and what he’s about also.
“We both cleared the air, and I think he got good feedback on myself, from other players and other people not in football but out of the game. And I think now he’s starting to see the real me. And hopefully he’s pleased with me being here.
“Maybe that did play a part, a miscommunication, and that’s why we cleared the air. We’re on the same path now and things are sorted.”
England face Panama on Saturday knowing they are already sure of their place in the round of 32.
However, the Three Lions must win in order to guarantee their spot at the top of Group L.
Toney is behind Harry Kane in the pecking order, with the England captain just one goal away from becoming the nation’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, overtaking Gary Lineker.
FIFA World Cup News
Iraq must be proud of World Cup journey, says Arnold
FIFA World Cup News
Martinez and Portugal focused on Colombia, not World Cup knockouts
FIFA World Cup News
Stephan: France delivered ‘special’ performance for Deschamps
FIFA World Cup News
Resting Haaland and Odegaard a ‘no-brainer’ for Norway boss Solbakken
FIFA World Cup News
Pedri: Only Messi can do what he does at his age
FIFA World Cup News
Cole Palmer ‘not crying’ over Thomas Tuchel’s England snub
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
