Toney did not worry his England career was finished after switch

IVAN TONEY never feared his move to Saudi Arabia would affect his England ambitions and is ready to prove he is as good as ever upon his return to the international set-up.

- By Simon Peach

The 29-year-old has been recalled for the first time since making a money-spinning switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli, shortly after helping Gareth Southgate's side reach the Euro 2024 final.

Toney was overlooked by interim head coach Lee Carsley in the autumn and left out of Thomas Tuchel's first selection in charge but the England manager stressed in March that it was nothing to do with him playing in the Saudi Pro League. The striker appreciated the German coach calling him with that explanation. He is even more grateful after being named in the squad for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the home friendly against Senegal next week.