Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad raised a few eyebrows when it was announced a few weeks ago.
England head into this tournament without arguably three of their most talented players as the likes of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all being left at home.
However, perhaps the most surprising selection was the decision to call Ivan Toney back into the side.
Toney hadn’t been a favourite under Thomas Tuchel for the past 12 months, and many believed his move to Saudi Arabia had dashed his international hopes.
Surprisingly, Toney is now back in the fold, and speaking on TNT Sports, Owen Hargreaves has come up with a theory why Toney is in the team.
Ivan Toney is only in the England squad because of Arsenal
Ivan Toney may not be an Arsenal player, but according to Owen Hargreaves, the Gunners are the reason he is in the England side.
Indeed, Hargreaves claims Thomas Tuchel has been influenced by Arsenal’s set-piece prowess, and he thinks Toney is in the team to add that extra physical presence from set plays should it be needed.
“He’s gone for more of an Arsenal look, you have Saka and you have Declan Rice, you have great delivery,” Mertin Keown said.
“That’s why Ivan Toney is in isn’t he? Set pieces and pens, it’s like ‘I can throw him in.’ I think Thomas has looked at what Arsenal have done and thought ‘ok I can have a bit of that.’” Hargreaves added.
Toney is certainly a presence from set plays, a skill he harnessed to great effect at Brentford.
Indeed, under Thomas Frank, set pieces were vital for Brentford, and Toney was, quite often, the man on the end of them.
The striker will add that extra presence in the box if needed, and, of course, as one of the best penalty takers in the world, he’ll be crucial if any match heads to a shootout.
Toney may be England’s third-choice striker, but don’t be shocked if he has a big say on how this summer pans out.
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