Ivan Toney “dreams” of playing for England at this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico – and feels he will be able to handle the heat due to his experience in Saudi Arabia.
The 29-year-old moved to Al-Ahli from Brentford in August 2024 in a £40million deal, bagging an impressive 30 goals in his first season.
Toney’s goalscoring heroics also helped his side to victory in the Asian Champions League.
And having last pulled on an England shirt in a short cameo against Senegal in June 2025, he is hoping to catch England coach Thomas Tuchel’s eye ahead of World Cup 2026.
The former Bees striker has been overlooked by German Tuchel for three England camps since that two-minute showing against Senegal.
But Toney told an exclusive interview with Sky Sports that he’s “hungry” to play for his country on world football’s biggest stage.
World Cup dream
“I have never played at a World Cup. It would be a dream – everyone dreams of that,” he said.
“If we were to win it, that would be so big for the country. You have visions of what could happen. If it comes true, it would be a blessing.
“There are great players in the squad and some top English strikers, so I guess everyone will have an opportunity as everyone will be able to adapt to the heat, but you can say I’m a bit more used to it than others.
“It’s tough because you have to change your game slightly. You can’t be running around crazy because otherwise you run out of steam. You have to be more strategic with the runs you make.
“I guess I won’t have to adapt. I’ve played in 30-plus degrees here, and I feel like I’m adapted to it.”
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Carry on scoring
Toney knows that, at 29, the clock is ticking on his England career – and is just hoping that staying amongst the goals will turn Tuchel’s attention his way.
He added: “All I can do is keep scoring goals. That gives me the best chance possible.
“It could be my last chance. It’s [about] whatever is best for the country – the coach will pick the team and you have to respect that.
“I feel much fitter and the stats speak for themselves. My running stats are also high.
“I don’t want to just sit back and relax. I am working harder and my stats show it. I am helping those around me. He would be getting a goalscorer who is hungry to play.
“Yes, I’m on a big salary, but I still want to be doing well. It’s not the time to be sitting back to relax. I want to try and achieve big things.”
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