Brentford’s in-demand striker Ivan Toney reveals why watching the 2022 Qatar was ‘PAINFUL’ for him

Ivan Toney's eight-month ban on charges of betting is set to get over on the 17th of January 2024.

Brentford’s in-demand striker Ivan Toney reveals why watching the 2022 Qatar was ‘PAINFUL’ for him

Ivan Toney exclaimed that it was painful for him to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup; missing out on the England squad. (Image via GOAL)

Brentford forward Ivan Toney expressed his anguish during a Sky Sports interview, admitting the pain of watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup on TV while acknowledging he could have potentially participated for England. Toney is currently undergoing an eight-month suspension due to betting charges.

The 27-year-old Bees forward has been the most talked of player, drawing interest from multiple clubs eager to sign him once his suspension concludes this month. Arsenal and Chelsea lead the race to acquire the forward, valued at £100 million. He was Premier League’s third-highest goal-scorer in the 2022-23 season, tallying 20 goals across 33 matches. Toney is presently serving an eight-month ban after being found guilty in May 2023 for 232 FA betting rule breaches.

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Toney’s involvement in the England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was disrupted due to betting allegations that emerged a month before the tournament. In a recent Sky Sports interview, he described the timing of the news on his betting rule breaches as malicious and expressed deep regret for missing the competition despite being a potential pick.

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I did watch a bit [of the World Cup] but that was even more painful watching knowing I could have been involved in that but listen, what's done is done. I can't change nothing, yes it was painful but life is painful sometimes. You have just got to fly by it and concentrate on what is in front rather than what is behind.

Despite this setback, the former Wigan player remains resolute, aiming to move ahead and aspiring to secure a spot in the England squad for the upcoming Euros.

Before his suspension, Toney received a call-up to represent the England national team during their Euro 2023 qualification campaign. He made his international debut on March 26, 2023, facing Ukraine. He is poised to return to action for Brentford in their home fixture against Nottingham Forest on January 20.

Ivan Toney dismisses need for January transfer to boost selection chances for England in Euros 2024

Recently speaking with Sky Sports, Brentford forward Ivan Toney expressed his ambition to secure a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad. He dismissed the notion of requiring a January transfer to Arsenal or Chelsea to achieve this objective.

Ivan Toney - Brentford
Brentford’s Ivan Toney expressed his desire to be a part of England’s Euro 2024 squad. (Image via GOAL)

The 27-year-old is gearing up for an impressive return during Brentford’s Premier League fixture against Nottingham on January 20. Ahead of his comeback, he showcased his skill by netting a hat-trick for Brentford’s B team in a friendly match. In a recent interview, he said that his focus is on Euro 2024, aiming to reclaim his peak form and secure a position among England’s strikers.

Acknowledging the tough competition, he confidently denied the necessity of leaving Brentford to enhance his national team prospects. He asserted his belief in personal performance and emphasized that scoring goals and providing assists would strengthen his chances for England’s squad selection, rather than a transfer.

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