Stewart Downing thinks Ivan Toney will help his England cause if he joins a team like Arsenal during the January transfer window.
The Brentford hitman is currently serving a ban, which isn’t just costing his club, but also Ivan Toney’s chances of making England’s squad for Euro 2024.
During the first international break of the season, it was Callum Wilson who was selected by Gareth Southgate and now Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has got that nod – he scored against Australia on Friday.
That doesn’t help Ivan Toney’s cause because he will now be on the backfoot by the time he returns, with Stewart Downing claiming that a transfer to Arsenal could help him push ahead of someone like Ollie Watkins because he would be playing in the Champions League and pushing for the Premier League title, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
Well, there has been talk of Ivan Toney possibly moving to Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta convinced that he can secure his talents in January.
If that happens and he helps the Gunners to the Premier League title, then when Gareth Southgate comes about to name his squad for Euro 2024 next summer, it gives Ivan Toney that extra edge.
Ivan Toney’s England chance via Arsenal
“When I was at Middlesbrough with Capello and doing alright, he was a fan of how I played,” said Downing. “He actually made a straight point to me, ‘you need to leave and play for a team that is further up the league. Europa League or Champions League’.
“I actually laughed at him and thought ‘that’s easier said than done. I am trying. How am I going to get them clubs?’
“I know it does play a big part. If Ivan Toney does come back and say he goes to Arsenal, starts playing Champions League, winning the Premier League or threatening every season.
“Then Gareth (Southgate) will be under pressure to start him ahead of Ollie (Watkins). 100% – I am sure Ollie knows that as well. If he continues to score goals and gets Villa into them Champions League or Europa League spots, then he gives himself a hell of a chance.”
Ivan Toney would thrive at Arsenal
There are calls from some for Arsenal to bring in a number nine during the winter, so the club’s forward line can be elevated even further.
Arsenal have enough goals in them, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are still going strong.
Not forgetting Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
But the feeling is that with Toney, he just adds that extra spark and bite that could help push them over the line in their Premier League title push.
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