Southgate Gives Surprising England Call Up To Ivan Toney for Euro 2024 Qualifiers
England coach Gareth Southgate has made several changes to his squad as England will play against Italy on March 23 and Ukraine on March 26 for their Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
Southgate said that Ivan Toney is playing well and deserves this opportunity. The Brentford forward has 17 goals in 26 games this season and is only behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the Premier League top scorer charts.
Decisions on England Squad
Gareth Southgate surprised everyone by adding in-form Brentford striker Ivan Toney to the squad. Despite Toney’s impressive displays, his place in the national set-up might be under threat with the possible FA disciplinary proceedings hanging over him after accepting breaking betting rules.
On the other hand, there is no place for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Ben White or Callum Wilson, who were all present at the World Cup and Raheem Sterling misses out through injury. Chelsea full-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James are also included after having missed out on last year’s FIFA World Cup due to injury.
Southgate’s Reaction on Toney’s Call-up And His Job
Southgate backed up Toney and said that “He’s available for his club. There hasn’t been a trial or a judgment yet, so I don’t know on what basis I wouldn’t pick him. He’s playing really well.”
Southgate took time to confirm he would continue as England’s boss after the World Cup and admitted that his big challenge was having to start again. He said, “I know where our most senior players will be with that challenge, they’re ready. They set the tone for the mentality that’s going to be needed.”
