Ivan Toney Set For International Debut After Being Named In England Squad For Games Against Italy And Ukraine

Brentford striker Ivan Toney is set to make his England debut this month after being called up for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.

England manager Gareth Southgate has named a 25-man party for those games.

Toney - who has scored 16 goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season - is one of three central strikers in the squad, along with Tottenham's Harry Kane and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.

Ivan Toney pictured celebrating a goal during Brentford's 2-0 win at Southampton on Wednesday night

IMAGO/PA Images/Adam Davy

Southgate's decision to select Toney came as a surprise to many after the 27-year-old recently accepted that he had broken the Football Association's betting rules.

But Southgate told reporters at a media conference on Thursday: "There hasn't been a trial yet or any judgement so I don't know on what basis we wouldn't pick him really.

"Ivan has been consistent throughout the season. He is playing really well. I like his presence in games.

"I saw his game against Arsenal where he was outstanding and he deserves his opportunity." 

Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling was not included in the squad, with Southgate explaining that he was "not fit".

England Squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester City) Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham)
Forwards: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford)