Ivan Toney said that he never had doubts about his chances of a recall in England after his move to the Saudi Pro League after the freely scoring Al Ahli striker returned to the team before Saturday's qualifying match against Andorra.
The 29-year-old, who was last seen before England in their 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final last July, was banned for eight months in 2023 for violating the rules of the FA on bets.
He moved to Al Ahli from Premier League Club Brentford last August and scored 30 goals in 44 performances in all matches for the Saudi side.
The attacker gave an emphatic “no” when he was asked on Wednesday in a training camp in Girona if he thought that moving to Saudi Arabia could influence his chances in England.
Toney for the last time for England in the Euro 2024 Finalnick Potts, Pa Images / Alamy / Profimedia
“You see with me, I think if you just do the right thing, play football, play well and score goals – a Spits's task, that's what you are in a team to do – it doesn't matter where you are playing in the world, I feel that you still have to get the chance,” he told British media.
“I think it has been proven that I am back here and am back among the boys. It feels good to see the faces again and it feels good to get stuck.”
NASSR Vooruit Cristiano Ronaldo alone scored more goals 25-in the Saudi top flight in the 2024/25 season than Toney, who snaps 23, more than former Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema (21) and ex-Aarsenal Pierre-emerick Aubameyang (19).
“I feel that I am in good shape. As you can see, I am here, I still score goals,” said Toney, who is closed six times for England.
“So hopefully I can continue to do that and be in the mix for the World Cup.”
After playing Andorra in Spain on Saturday host of England host Senegal in a friendly on 10 June.