Ivan Toney has his sights set on a place in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Toney is the leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season, having netted 20 goals for Al-Ahli.
That is two more than the tally Cristiano Ronaldo has managed for Al-Nassr, while Toney’s 33.9% conversion rate is the second-best of players to have scored over five goals in the competition this term.
The former Brentford striker, who was part of England’s squad for Euro 2024 but missed out on the 2022 World Cup, is also outperforming his 16.8 expected goals (xG).
Toney turns 30 next month, and though he is no longer playing in the Premier League, he still harbours hopes of making Thomas Tuchel’s squad to head to North America in June.
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.”
— Ivan Toney (@ivantoney24) January 21, 2026
Toney, whose last Three Lions cap came in July last year, was linked with a potential return to England in the winter transfer window.
And though he is thriving in Saudi Arabia, Toney is not closing the door to a Premier League return.
“Never say never,” he said.
“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.”