Saudi-based Ivan Toney recalled to England squad by Tuchel
LONDON: England manager Thomas Tuchel insists Ivan Toney “deserves” his surprise recall for the forthcoming internationals against Andorra and Senegal. It is a first call-up for the 29-year-old since he left Brentford to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli last August. Toney, who has scored 22 goals in 29 Pro League games for the Saudi champions, made the last of his six England appearances in the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain. “Ivan deserves to be with us, I think, and I’m convinced because he scored over 20 goals this season,” Tuchel said. “He won a major title with the Asian Champions League, in goals and assists made a huge contribution. “I thought, why not bring him over and let him travel to us? It’s a good occasion now to also test new players, see new players, meet Ivan first and see him in the environment.” Tuchel has also given a first senior call-up to Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. The Sierra Leone-born Chalobah has played 32 times for Chelsea this season as they chase Champions League qualification and target victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday. “He played a fantastic second half of the season with Chelsea.