Toney one of five left out of England squad for Nations League tie against Italy

Jason Soutar
Ivan Toney looks up

Brentford’s Ivan Toney will not make his highly-anticipated England debut in Friday’s Nations League match away to Italy.

The 26-year-old was called up for the first time by Gareth Southgate for this month’s ties against Germany and Roberto Mancini’s side.


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Speaking about his first inclusion in the Three Lions squad, Toney told reporters: “Never doubted it.

“I feel like I have full confidence in myself, I have just got to keep working hard and it makes it that much sweeter when you get the chance.

“I never played for any of the other age groups so going straight to the senior squad is a big achievement. I’m proud of it and I wouldn’t want it to go any other way.”

His debut may come when England host Germany on Monday.

If he does not get the chance to impress it will be a great shame as his inclusion is very much justified given his form for Brentford since their promotion to the Premier League last year.

Having called up 28 players for the international break, Southgate had to cut five for his side’s trip to Milan.

As well as Toney, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell have been left behind.

Henderson was only included in the squad after Kalvin Phillips was forced to withdraw to undergo shoulder surgery.

Manchester City defender John Stones is also not included as he serves a suspension for his red card against Hungary in June.

It has been reported this morning that Manchester United captain Harry Maguire will start against Italy.

This is according to David Ornstein, who says Maguire is “relaxed and confident” about his situation despite falling out of favour under United boss Erik ten Hag.

“Clearly, it’s not an ideal situation,” Southgate responded when asked about the 29-year-old’s lack of game time for the Red Devils.

“You want your best players playing regularly so that they’re physically in a good place and mentally in a good place.”

Southgate added: “But he is an important player for us. I think it’s important to back our best players.

“He understands that he’s at a big club, big transfer fee and captain of the club so I think that’s why the spotlight has been on him more.”

England sit bottom of their Nations League group after drawing two and losing two of their opening four fixtures in League A Group C.

Both of their defeats came against Hungary; losing 1-0 in Budapest before an embarrassing 4-0 mauling at Molineux.

The Three Lions will hope for better performances this time around and will aim to turn their draws against Italy and Germany in June into wins.