Gary Neville has claimed there is “pressure” on Gareth Southgate’s decision to pick Callum Wilson over Ivan Toney. Less than 48 hours after being snubbed for the World Cup, the Brentford striker bagged a brace to shock Manchester City on home soil.
A 98th-minute winner stunned the champions and provoked debate on social media about Southgate’s 26-man squad. Toney celebrated both goals by putting his fingers in his ears - a thinly-veiled swipe to his international snub.
Wilson failed to retaliate hours later as he was restricted to a substitute appearance in the 1-0 win against Chelsea. Illness forced the Magpies’ number nine out of the side but he should be ok in time for the World Cup.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Manchester United legend Neville admitted Toney’s brace was not ideal from an England perspective. He said: “Toney, what he did yesterday puts pressure on in some ways. I don’t think you could complain if you’d said Callum Wilson would go in front of him two or three days ago.
“The fact Toney scored two maybe highlights that decision a little bit. When you’re naming 23, you’re potentially upsetting one or two. When you’re naming 26, you’re not upsetting anyone because, the reality is, 26 are unlikely to play.”
Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp also chimed in on the debate. The former Liverpool midfielder highlighted how Toney has zero experience at international level.
“It was a straight shootout with him and Callum Wilson,” Redknapp added. “You can’t start thinking about penalty shoot-outs; he’s not kicked a ball in international football or taken a penalty. It’s different playing for your country.”
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