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Thomas Tuchel explains decision to recall Ivan Toney to England squad to face Andorra and Senegal

The former Brentford striker has been in fine form for Saudi side Al-Ahli, with Tuchel assessing all options for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra and friendly against Senegal

Jack Rathborn
At Wembley Stadium
Friday 23 May 2025 10:35 BST
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Kane 'more confident' with England - Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel insists he has recalled Ivan Toney to his England squad to “see his personality and his quality” up close ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra and friendly against Senegal.

The Three Lions boss has shuffled his squad, making seven changes from the group that beat Albania and Latvia, and Toney’s return has seen forward Dominic Solanke dropped following Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League victory on Wednesday.

Toney, who has impressed for Saudi side Al-Ahli since a big-money move from Brentford last summer, has scored 28 goals in 42 games across all competitions en route to winning the Asian Champions League.

“We follow him closely, like all the players on our list, same for Ivan,” Tuchel explained. “We watched him a lot, he had massive contributions and decisive goals in important matches, he won a big title with his club, the Asian Champions League.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to see him live in Saudi, so we took the opportunity to fly him into our camp and watch him in the group, see his personality and his quality.

“He’ll compete with Harry, of course, our No 9, and Ollie Watkins, we have three strikers.”

There is a first senior call-up for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, whose versatility could appeal to Tuchel, having operated at both centre-back and right-back since returning to Stamford Bridge after a loan to Crystal Palace earlier this season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Ollie Watkins return, while Morgan Gibbs-White, who was a late call-up due to injuries, is also included.

While Eberechi Eze remains in the squad after inspiring Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory and scoring eight times in 11 games across all competitions for the Eagles.

Ivan Toney of Al-Ahli Saudi celebrates victory in the AFC Champions League Elite Final
Ivan Toney of Al-Ahli Saudi celebrates victory in the AFC Champions League Elite Final (Getty)

England men’s squad to face Andorra and Senegal

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)

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Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

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