Overview
- Thomas Tuchel named Ivan Toney, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, to England's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Senegal.
- Toney, who served an eight-month suspension for betting violations, has not played for England since July 2024 but impressed with decisive performances and an AFC Champions League title.
- Tuchel admitted he had not seen Toney play live in Saudi Arabia and flew him to England's training camp for direct assessment of his quality and team fit.
- Phil Foden, a key player for Manchester City, was notably left out of the squad, reflecting Tuchel's commitment to a merit-based selection approach.
- Tuchel's decisions highlight his focus on current performance and team cohesion, sparking discussion about his management style and England's foreign coaching strategy.