If Gareth Southgate needed any more persuasion that Ivan Toney is worth a place in England’s World Cup squad then surely this performance seals it. Two goals from the Brentford striker, including an impudent backheel and another penalty to maintain his 100% conversion record for this club, were a perfect example of the 26-year-old’s qualities at just the right time.
Southgate must name his preliminary squad for Qatar by Friday and despite leaving Toney on the bench during the Nations League fixtures against Germany and Italy last month, the former Northampton and Peterborough striker looks more than a decent bet to be on the plane after moving level with Harry Kane on eight Premier League goals this season, behind only Erling Haaland.
