Tuchel Explains Toney's England Call-Up: A Saudi Star's Rise

England Football Manager Thomas Tuchel Explains Ivan Toney's Inclusion in the Squad London, England – May 23, 2025 – England football manager Thomas Tuchel recently clarified his decision to include Ivan Toney in his latest squad. Tuchel highlighted Toney's exceptional performance with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, emphasizing his significant goal contribution and the team's major title win. "Ivan [Toney] deserves to be with us, I think. I'm convinced because he scored over 20 goals for Al-Ahli this season. He won a major title with the Asian Champions League," Tuchel stated. Tuchel's decision is noteworthy because it involves a player from a different league, requiring additional effort for assessment. To address this, Tuchel revealed his plan to visit Toney in Saudi Arabia. This visit serves a dual purpose: to evaluate Toney personally and to observe him within his current team environment. The manager's proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to thorough player selection and showcases the importance of international collaboration in football. The inclusion of Ivan Toney in the England squad is a testament to his talent and highlights the growing global reach of professional football.