Ivan Toney makes England squad despite facing gambling charges

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has scored 11 of 12 Premier League penalties

EURO 2024 Ivan Toney makes England squad despite facing gambling charges

Ayoola Kelechi 19:30 - 16.03.2023

Ivan Toney was invited to the latest England squad despite being under investigation for Premier League rule breaches

Brentford Ivan Toney has been invited to the England team ahead of EURO 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine next week, despite an ongoing FA investigation into gambling breaches. 

Toney inclusion raises eyebrows

The 27-year-old forward famously missed out on the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup despite being in great form for Brentford at the time, with many believing his place in the team was affected by the then rumours of gambling rule breaches. 

This has made his recent inclusion in the Three Lions’ roster for the upcoming qualifiers even more incredible since Toney has been officially charged by the FA and has also admitted to breaking gambling rules. 

Ivan Toney makes England squad despite gambling charges

Toney was charged with more than 200 breaches of the Premier League’s gambling regulations but has continued to play while a hearing to determine the consequences of his actions takes place. 

The Brentford star has made good use of his time awaiting a verdict by staring for the Bees in the Premier League, and has been at a brilliant level in recent weeks, which has led to him being called up for the national team. 

Despite the raised eyebrows, Toney’s inclusion in the England squad is a welcome development that many believe should have come earlier. 

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The Brentford forward has scored 16 times and assisted four more goals for the Bees in his 24 Premier League appearances and is one of the most deserving players on the latest England team sheet. 

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