In a surprising turn of events, Brentford’s forward Ivan Toney found himself back in the spotlight as he returned to the England squad after serving an eight-month ban for violating betting regulations. The announcement came from England coach Gareth Southgate, who included Toney in the lineup for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium later this month.
Ivan Toney’s return to action in January was marked by an impressive performance, netting four goals in nine appearances, catching the attention of selectors. His inclusion in the national team comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for the striker, who faced disciplinary action last May for breaching 232 English Football Association betting rules, reported the Associated Press. Alongside the ban, Toney was slapped with a hefty fine of £50,000 ($62,000).
However, an independent commission handling the case shed light on mitigating circumstances. They revealed that Toney’s punishment could have been more severe if not for his acknowledgement of gambling addiction. Despite a “substantial number of breaches,” the commission’s report indicated that some of Toney’s wagers could have warranted a lifetime ban from the sport.
Toney’s resurgence on the field was evident when he made his season debut on January 20, clinching a goal in Brentford’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. This call-up marks a remarkable turnaround for the striker, considering it has been almost a year since his last appearance for the national team, a notable 2-0 triumph against Ukraine in a European Championship qualifier.
Emerging Talents Shine as Southgate Reshuffles England Squad In a related development, Southgate disclosed that Arsenal defender Ben White had declined consideration for the squad due to personal reasons. White’s absence opens doors for emerging talents like Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon, who received their maiden summons to the national team.
Furthermore, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez made a notable return to the squad, earning his first call-up since 2020. Meanwhile, midfielder Kalvin Phillips missed out on selection following a challenging start to his loan stint with West Ham.
England’s upcoming fixtures against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26 are poised to be significant tests for Southgate’s revamped squad. Both matches will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, offering a platform for Toney and other promising talents to prove their mettle on the international stage.
