Ivan Toney’s chances of playing for England again have been dismissed by former player Paul Merson following his transfer to the Saudi Pro League. Toney, who was linked with top Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, ultimately joined Al-Ahli on deadline day, where he will earn a staggering £400,000-a-week after tax. Despite his impressive form for Brentford and his inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, Toney has not made Lee Carsley’s first England side. This has led to speculation that the new England boss is not considering selecting players who are playing in Saudi Arabia, similar to Ronald Koeman’s decision to axe Steven Bergwijn from the Dutch team after his transfer to Al-Ittihad.
Merson agrees with this decision, stating that he doesn’t understand why players like Toney would choose to go to Saudi Arabia at a relatively young age. He believes that if the Saudi Arabia league wants to be great, it will still be there in the future, and players should prioritize playing for their country over money. Merson commends Carsley for taking a quick stance on the unselection of players from the Saudi Pro League, and believes that players who choose to go to Saudi Arabia are at the end of their careers.
It’s important to note that Carsley has just begun his senior England career as interim manager, and he has named four uncapped players in his first squad. This suggests that he is open to giving opportunities to new players and may have his own criteria for selecting the squad.
While Merson’s opinion carries weight due to his experience as a former player, it’s essential to consider other factors that may influence the selection process. The decision to select players for the national team is complex and involves various considerations, including form, fitness, tactics, and team dynamics. It’s possible that Carsley and his coaching staff have specific criteria for selecting players and are assessing Toney’s situation based on these factors.
Ultimately, the selection of players for the England squad is the responsibility of the manager, and Carsley will have to make decisions based on what he believes is best for the team. It remains to be seen whether Toney will have another opportunity to represent England in the future, but his performance on the pitch will likely play a significant role in determining his chances.
In conclusion, Paul Merson’s opinion that Ivan Toney has no chance of playing for England again after his transfer to the Saudi Pro League offers a perspective on the potential impact of such a move on a player’s international career. However, it’s important to consider other factors that may influence the selection process and to recognize that the final decision lies with the manager. Toney’s performance on the pitch will ultimately determine his chances of representing England in the future.