Ivan Toney Sets Sights On England World Cup Bid Amid Saudi Pro League Goal Run

Ivan Toney is chasing a place in England’s squad for the next World Cup while leading the Saudi Pro League scoring charts for Al-Ahli. Toney has 20 league goals this season and is ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, yet still faces strong competition for selection when Thomas Tuchel names the travelling group for North America in June.

The former Brentford striker has turned that scoring run into a strong overall output for Al-Ahli. Toney’s 20 goals are two more than Ronaldo has scored for Al-Nassr, and the conversion rate of 33.9% is the second-best among players with more than five goals in this Saudi Pro League campaign.

Toney is also beating the underlying data in Saudi Arabia. The forward has 16.8 expected goals but has converted that into a higher actual total. That finishing record adds weight to Toney’s push for another England call-up, having last featured for the Three Lions in July last year.

Toney outlined how much a first appearance on the World Cup stage would mean, after missing the 2022 tournament but forming part of England’s Euro 2024 squad instead. He told Sky Sports: "I have never played at a World Cup. It would be a dream; everyone dreams of that. If we were to win it, that would be so big for the country. You have these little visions of what could happen, these kind of things. If it were to come true, it would be a big blessing. My job is to keep scoring goals and hopefully that gives me the best chance of being there. It could be my last chance. It's [about] whatever is best for the country; the coach will pick the team and you have to respect that. I feel much fitter and the stats speak for themselves. My running stats are also high. I don't want to just sit back and relax; I am working harder and my stats show it. I am helping those around me. He would be getting a goalscorer who is hungry to play. Yes, I'm on a big salary, but I still want to be doing well, it's not the time to be sitting back to relax. I want to try and achieve big things."

Those "stats" cover both finishing and work off the ball. Toney stresses improved fitness and running data as part of the overall package that could appeal to Tuchel. The forward turns 30 next month and accepts the tournament in North America might be the final chance to feature at a World Cup for England.

His output in Saudi Arabia can be set against league rivals in simple terms, showing how the season has unfolded for the leading scorers so far.

Toney’s form follows previous seasons in the Premier League with Brentford, but this campaign comes outside England’s top flight. That shift adds an extra question over selection, even with the scoring record. Toney accepts that Tuchel will make a call based on what is "best for the country" when the final group is confirmed.

Ivan Toney World Cup hopes and Saudi Pro League future

The striker’s performances have already led to transfer links. Toney was connected with a possible move back to England during the winter window, with clubs assessing a return to the Premier League. Despite that speculation, Toney indicates there is no immediate push to leave Saudi Arabia while current targets with Al-Ahli remain.

Asked directly about the idea of heading back to English football, Toney replied: "Never say never," before explaining the situation. "I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time. I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what's around the corner. Who knows what the next step is? I'm comfortable here and like being here. I'm doing well, my numbers speak for themselves and I'm settled. I'm enjoying my football and don't see why I'd leave to go back to where I was."

Toney, therefore, continues to balance long-term plans in the Saudi Pro League with short-term international ambitions. The forward’s scoring record, advanced numbers and stated fitness improvements all support his claim, but selection will depend on Tuchel’s assessment when England’s World Cup squad is finalised for the tournament in North America.