Ivan Toney is ready to take his chance for England at the World Cup. He has overcome an eight-month betting ban and being frozen out by Thomas Tuchel.

What happened to Ivan Toney?

Ivan Toney served an eight-month betting ban and was ditched by Thomas Tuchel. He then joined the Saudi Pro League.

Toney's ban ended in January 2024. He played for England in the Euros that summer.

Why it matters for Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney is now in the England squad for the World Cup. He has gained a glowing reference from Harry Kane.

Toney is one of England's penalty specialists. Thomas Tuchel thinks England will likely be in two penalty shoot-outs if they win the World Cup.

What comes next for Ivan Toney?

Ivan Toney underlined his World Cup potential by scoring a hat-trick in a practice match against Miami FC.

The match was behind closed doors. It featured set pieces and a mock-up penalty shoot-out.

Toney put himself in the frame with that hat-trick. He showed Thomas Tuchel he is ready and determined.

Ivan Toney worked his way up from Northampton. He showed his potential at Peterborough and became a prolific Premier League striker with Brentford.

Toney was charged by the FA in November 2022 for 232 breaches of betting rules.

He took aim at the FA for undermining his chances of making the World Cup squad the following month.

Toney's goalscoring record is good - 42 in all competitions. But Thomas Tuchel did not go to see him once.

It was Tuchel's assistant Justin Cochrane who persuaded the England boss that Toney was worth another look.

Toney is his own man. He can come across as sullen when actually he is quietly driven and determined.

Thomas Tuchel said Toney was not really excited when he got the World Cup call-up.

Tuchel just said: “Not really, that’s not Ivan. He’s just cool.”

There was a breakdown in communication. Cochrane bridged the gap.

Tuchel thought Toney's attitude was poor around the England camp a year ago.

That was why he was left out in the cold. It was never because Toney did not want to play for England.

He just expresses it differently. And if there is one player who has bought into this tournament then it is Toney.

Ivan Toney is ready to make an impact for England at the World Cup.