England recruit Ivan Toney promises to make the most of World Cup chance

Ivan Toney claims he “never doubted” his England opportunity would come, with the Brentford striker vowing to seize his chance to make the World Cup.

A product of the Northampton youth set-up, Toney spent loan stints at Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Scunthorpe and Wigan having failed to make the breakthrough at Newcastle United.

He left St James’ Park permanently for Peterborough in 2018 and a goal-laden spell there saw him join Brentford two years later – a move that has gone better than either party could have dreamt of as he stands to become the club’s first England international since Leslie Smith in 1939.

The 26-year-old helped the Bees to promotion in his first campaign and five league goals at the start of this season led Gareth Southgate to include the uncapped frontman in England’s final camp before Qatar.

“It’s so surreal to be sitting here in an England top,” said Toney, who was still playing in League One just over two years ago.

“It’s such a privilege and it’s massive for me and my family, and also my club.

“I think nobody’s been called up [from Brentford] since 1939 or something like that, so it’s a big achievement and I’m very proud of it and hopefully I can make the most of it.”

Asked if he could have foreseen playing for England during his time the Football League, he said: “Never doubted it. I feel like I had full confidence in myself.

“I feel like you’ve just got to keep working hard and it makes it that much sweeter when you do get the chance.

“I never played for any of the other age groups, so going straight to the senior squad is a big achievement and I’m very proud of it. I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way.”

Ready to get going.Congratulations on your first #ThreeLions call-up, @ivantoney24