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Key Points

Thomas Tuchel has strongly endorsed Ivan Toney's return to the England national football squad following an exceptional season with Al-Ahli. The striker's remarkable achievement of scoring 28 goals in 42 appearances and winning the Asian Champions League has been pivotal in his recall. Tuchel emphasized the importance of testing new players and providing opportunities for talented performers. The coach also highlighted Trevor Chalobah's first senior call-up, praising his consistent performances for Chelsea.

Key Points: Tuchel Backs Ivan Toney's England Return After Saudi League Triumph

  • Toney returns to England squad after 28 goals in Saudi Pro League
  • Tuchel supports striker's international comeback
  • Chalobah receives first senior call-up due to injury
  • Player earned recall through remarkable season performance
2 min read

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

Thomas Tuchel praises Ivan Toney's impressive season, supporting his recall to England's national football squad

"He deserves to be with us, and I am convinced because he scored over 20 goals for his team this season - Thomas Tuchel"

London, May 23

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.

"Marc was normally meant to be with us, of course. He is the captain of Crystal Palace, and they had a huge win in the FA Cup. He is a big part of the success story. He got injured in the final, and it is a facial injury, and the specialist told us not to take the risk.

"On Trevoh, he deserves it. Easy at that. He has played a fantastic second half of the season with Chelsea. He has been very consistent at a very high level,” he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Toney absolutely deserves this recall! 28 goals in Saudi league is no joke, even if it's not Premier League. Indian fans know quality when we see it - he's clinical in front of goal. Hope he gets proper playing time this time 🤞
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Priya M.
Interesting to see how players performing outside Europe are getting recognized. In India we always debate whether ISL performances should count for national team selection. England seems more open-minded about this!
A
Arjun S.
Tuchel making some bold calls here. As an Indian football fan, I appreciate managers who give chances based on current form rather than past reputation. Solanke must be disappointed though - won the league but gets dropped!
S
Sanjana P.
The Asian Champions League mention caught my eye! Shows how football in our continent is gaining respect globally. Maybe one day we'll see an Indian player getting such recognition abroad 🇮🇳⚽
V
Vikram D.
Not sure about this decision yaar. England has so many young talents coming through - should they really recall a 29-year-old playing in Saudi? Long-term planning seems missing here. But what do I know - Tuchel has won UCL!
N
Neha R.
Chalobah's call-up is the real story for me! Indian-origin player getting England chance shows how diaspora talents are flourishing. Reminds me of Yan Dhanda's journey. More power to such players! 🙌

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