Ivan Toney underlines England credentials with brace as Brentford beat Brighton

Ivan Toney sent a World Cup message to England boss Gareth Southgate by firing Brentford to a 2-0 win over Brighton.

Bees striker Toney was called into the Three Lions squad for the first time last month but failed to get on to the pitch for the matches against Italy and Germany.

But the 26-year-old looks determined to book a seat on the plane to Qatar, and he is becoming hard to ignore after boosting his case with two goals, a cute backheel followed by yet another penalty.

Toney now has eight Premier League goals this season, level with Harry Kane, with only Erling Haaland having scored more.

Brentford did not manage to score in two defeats by Brighton last season, and Toney went about trying to right that wrong from the start.

His dangerous cross was headed wide by Frank Onyeka header before Yoane Wissa sent a curling effort just past the far post.

But Brighton, who warmed up in shirts bearing the name of midfielder Enock Mwepu ahead of their first game since the 24-year-old had to retire because of a hereditary heart condition, began to exert control.

Danny Welbeck had a goalbound shot blocked by Ethan Pinnock and a header saved by David Raya.

Bees goalkeeper Raya did extremely well to get a hand to a vicious, swerving 25-yard drive from Moises Caicedo and tip it over the crossbar.

Then, from the corner, the Spaniard had to paw away a close-range effort from Joel Veltman.

It seemed Brighton were bossing the match, but moments later at the other end Bryan Mbeumo was desperately unlucky to see a stunning first-time volley hit the crossbar.

But Mbeumo played a key role in Brentford’s opener in the 27th minute, winning the ball back before playing in Onyeka down the right.

Onyeka’s low cross was met with an instinctive