Ivan Toney has been in sensational form for Al-Ahli, scoring 42 goals in 48 games this season, including 32 in the league. The 30-year-old striker, who last played for England in a friendly against Senegal last year, is now in contention for Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad. Tuchel will name his 26-man squad on Friday, with Toney competing for a place alongside Harry Kane and other forwards.
Toney recently sparked a war of words with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr after a 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha. He took to Instagram to criticise refereeing decisions, suggesting that Al-Nassr were being favoured. In a post-match interview, he claimed the referee told him to 'focus on the Asian Champions League' and called for audio recordings to be released.
The forward has been a key figure in Al-Ahli's success, winning the AFC Champions League Elite title last month after a hat-trick in the final against Machida Zelvia. He has scored eight goals in his last nine games and has been particularly effective with the help of team-mates Riyad Mahrez and Galeno, forming a formidable attacking trio.
However, his season has not been without controversy. In March, he was involved in a heated physical clash with Al-Qadsihad's Julián Quiñones after a 3-2 defeat, requiring team-mates to separate the pair. Toney's remarkable goal-scoring run has seen him net two hat-tricks in recent months, the latest against Al-Fateh.
Tuchel faces a selection headache given the depth of England's attacking options. Toney's reliability from the penalty spot and his clinical finishing could earn him a place in the squad for the World Cup, as the German manager prepares to select three strikers for the tournament.
