Ivan Toney Recalled to England Squad by Thomas Tuchel After Prolific Season with Al Ahli

Ivan Toney has earned a recall to the England national team for upcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal, marking a significant moment in his international career. Manager Thomas Tuchel made the decision following Toney’s sensational 2024–25 season with Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where the striker netted 29 goals and played a pivotal role in the club’s Asian Champions League triumph.

🦁 Back in the Three Lions Fold

This is Toney’s first call up since his move to Saudi Arabia, and it reflects the FA’s increasing openness to players excelling outside Europe’s top five leagues. Tuchel praised Toney’s fitness, form, and mentality, emphasizing his value in England’s attacking rotation.

• Next matches:
  
  • vs. Andorra – UEFA qualifier
    
  • vs. Senegal – international friendly
    
• Last England cap: 2023
  
• Position: Striker (No. 9 role or dual forward system)
  

“Ivan’s goals speak for themselves. He’s evolved, and we believe he can add something special to this squad,” Tuchel said during the squad announcement.

⚽ Star Season with Al Ahli

Toney’s switch to Al Ahli in mid 2024 raised eyebrows, but the move has proved fruitful. The English striker adapted quickly to the Saudi Pro League, combining lethal finishing with intelligent positioning.

• Goals in 2024–25: 29 (all competitions)
  
• Helped Al Ahli win their first AFC Champions League title
  
• Regular starter under European coach Marcel Koller
  

Toney also served as vice captain, showcasing his growing maturity and leadership on and off the pitch.

🧠 What This Means for England

Toney’s return adds depth and competition to England’s forward options. With Harry Kane aging and managing fitness, Toney provides a proven finisher with penalty expertise and aerial dominance.

• Expected to battle for minutes with Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert Lewin
  
• Could be deployed in dual striker systems or as a focal point when Kane is rested
  
• Offers tactical versatility and confidence in pressure moments
  

This selection also signals a wider scouting scope under Tuchel, reinforcing a merit based approach to international call ups.

📰 Final Thoughts

Ivan Toney’s return to the England squad is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and elite goal scoring form. After lighting up the Saudi Pro League and delivering silverware on a continental stage, he now has the opportunity to reassert himself in the Three Lions’ setup and perhaps book a ticket to the next major international tournament.