Overview
- Toney said he and manager Thomas Tuchel held frank 'clear the air' talks that repaired their relationship and led to his recall to England’s 26-man World Cup squad.
- Tuchel has described Toney as part of a 'special operations' group meant to make an impact late in games, and Toney has so far logged only a handful of minutes under the manager.
- The striker’s two strong seasons at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, including 32 goals in 2025–26 with 10 penalties, provided the form that persuaded selectors to bring him to the tournament.
- Toney’s return is set against the background of his previous FIFA betting ban, which interrupted his momentum and remains part of his career context.
- Toney has brought family to the World Cup and says his limited role is personal as well as professional, while his recall signals Tuchel may use specialist forwards for late goals or penalty situations and keeps the team’s tactical options broader.