Ivan Toney has insisted he deserves his place at the World Cup for more than just his penalty-taking ability. The Al-Ahli striker, called up from the Saudi Pro League by England manager Thomas Tuchel, boasts an incredible record from the spot and has developed a distinctive "no-look" technique that makes him a valuable asset in shoot-outs. However, Toney believes he brings much more to the team.
Toney Aims to Prove His All-Round Game
"I like to think I bring more than just penalties. I like to think I am a good player also," Toney said. "I think I can bring more to the game. But if I'm just to come on for one minute and take a penalty I'd never turn that down, I'm here to help the team." He acknowledged the competition for places, adding: "There are players that are playing, you have to be ready to take your chance. But I'm here now, I have done something right and hopefully I get my chance now."
Toney, who played a key role for England at Euro 2024, is philosophical about his role as backup to Harry Kane. He stressed his readiness to contribute whenever called upon: "Regardless of where you are in the world, there are still things to progress with and still a chance to show yourself on different stages. It might not be the biggest stage but I am still scoring goals and still doing my job."
Family Support and Light-Hearted Moments
Toney revealed that his family came to see him at the World Cup, describing it as a "great honour" to represent England on the "biggest stage." However, his son was more interested in seeing Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. "He's saying: 'Why am I coming all this way and not playing.' It's hard to respond to that. 'Daddy's waiting for it,'" Toney said. "After the game, it was first time he's seen me and went to give him a big hug and he brushed me aside and said, 'Where's Saka? Where's Dec…. I miss you too, boy!'"
Form and Comeback
The 30-year-old is in great form, having scored back-to-back hat tricks in two behind-closed-door friendly matches against local teams. He was previously dropped by Tuchel 12 months ago due to concerns over his training and attitude during a camp in Girona. But Tuchel's assistant coach Justin Cochrane convinced the manager to give Toney another chance. Toney reflected: "I think it was just more of because he doesn't really know me as a person. So it's more like just speaking, more and diving in deeper on what I'm about and what he's about also. And I think now he's starting to see the real me."
Role and Team Spirit
Toney is determined to maintain a positive atmosphere in the squad: "I know I'm not going to play every game; not going to get a lot of minutes, but I'll still be training well, smiling well. Being around the camp, happy and bubbly, and making it an enjoyable environment for everybody." He added: "I'm sure there's some players in other camps that might be a bit moody and bring the mood down. But that's never how I am and that's never going to be the case here."
Tuchel has been transparent about Toney's likely role as a substitute, which the striker appreciates. "Me and the coach spoke and he told me my role which is better because going into a tournament not knowing where you stand is going to be frustrating," Toney said. "So he told me first going into the camp what would be my situation and said I want you there – and I think if the coach tells you that then it's on the player whether he wants to take that decision or not."
Toney concluded: "I always believe in myself. I know what I'm capable of. If I get the chance, I know I'm going to take my chance. You always have to believe in yourself and what you can do."
