Ivan Toney has been handed a surprise recall to the England squad as head coach Thomas Tuchel named a refreshed 26-man team for next month’s fixtures against Andorra and Senegal.
The 29-year-old striker, who now plies his trade with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, had not featured for the Three Lions since coming off the bench in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. However, a blistering season in the Middle East — where Toney has notched 28 goals in 42 appearances and lifted the Asian Champions League — has earned him a return to the international fold.
“It’s well deserved,” said Tuchel. “He’s been prolific, decisive in a major tournament, and offers a skillset similar to Harry Kane. I haven’t seen him live this season but our team has tracked him closely. Now it’s time to see him with us.”
The call-up marks Toney’s first under Tuchel, who omitted him from his initial squad in March but hinted at the time he would try to observe the striker in person.
England take on Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, followed by a friendly against Senegal at the City Ground on June 10 — a venue hosting its first men’s international since 1991.
Young Guns and Surprise Picks
Among the fresh faces in the squad is Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who earns his first senior cap. Tuchel, who coached the centre-back at Chelsea, has opted to give him an opportunity with regular starter Marc Guehi sidelined by an eye injury.
Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, enjoying a breakout season at left-back, is the only natural option in that role and retains his place after impressing in March.
Another talking point is the inclusion of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, now playing for Ajax, who continues to feature despite no longer competing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, despite an impending shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup, has also been included. “He will have surgery later,” Tuchel clarified. “For now, he is available and remains crucial to us.”
Notable Omissions Raise Eyebrows
Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, and Dominic Solanke headline the list of notable absentees. Foden, who revealed this week he has been struggling with an ankle injury and off-field issues, misses out, while Rashford is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Solanke’s exclusion, despite an excellent campaign with Tottenham that included a Europa League triumph, has prompted criticism. Tuchel, however, defended the decision, stating: “Dom has been in camp before. I know what he can do. It’s time to get a closer look at others.”
Also missing are Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and in-form Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy. There are no Manchester United players in the squad — a stark reflection of the club’s ongoing struggles.
Ben White Declines Recall Due to Family
Arsenal’s Ben White remains absent from international duty, but Tuchel revealed this was down to personal reasons. The defender, who last played for England in 2022, is expecting his first child in early June and opted out to focus on his family.
“We agreed this is not the right time,” said Tuchel. “He was ready to come back but we want players fully focused — and understandably, his mind is elsewhere right now.”
Full Squad Highlights Changing Guard
England’s latest selection continues to signal a new era under Tuchel. Eight players from clubs competing in the upcoming Club World Cup — including Chelsea, Bayern, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid — have been included, while emerging talents like Lewis-Skelly, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers reflect a bold, forward-thinking approach.
Yet, some fans and pundits believe a “closed-shop” culture may be forming. Critics argue that selections such as Henderson and Toney — from less competitive leagues — suggest Tuchel is leaning more on reputation than current merit in some areas.
Regardless, all eyes will be on how the reshaped England squad performs as preparations for the 2026 World Cup intensify.
