Ivan Toney set for first England call-up

Ivan Toney, a Brentford striker, is expected to be named to England’s squad for the first time ahead of the September internationals.

The 26-year-old has yet to play for the Three Lions, having arrived late in the game, but he is set to be rewarded for a strong start to the 2022/23 Premier League season.

Toney has five goals and two assists in six Premier League appearances so far, following a strong first season in which he scored 12 goals and set up another five for Brentford, helping them stay up.

Although Roma’s Tammy Abraham was the player called up by Gareth Southgate for his last international squad back in June, the debate over who will replace England captain Harry Kane as their main striker has persisted.

England plays Italy and Germany in September, both in Nations League A, and faces relegation from the top flight after a dismal run of results in their first four matches.

A humiliating defeat to Hungary was the real low point for Southgate’s team, which needs to bounce back and gain confidence ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this winter.

They are in Group B with the United States, Iran, and Wales, and will look to build on their strong performances at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, where they reached the semi-finals and finals, respectively.