Toney in Southgate's good graces despite betting ban

Toney in Southgate's good graces despite betting ban

Faruq Ibrahim 15:58 - 24.05.2023

England coach Gareth Southgate talks about how the betting ban affects Ivan Toney's Euro 2024 chances.

England head coach Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Toney is still in his plans and will be considered for Euro 2024, despite the ban that would see him miss a huge chunk of next season. 

Toney is currently serving an eight months suspension as punishment for over 230 betting breaches.

This has seen him miss out on the England squad for the coming international matches, but the England boss insists the Brentford striker is still a member of the squad.  

What Southgate said 

The England coach was speaking in a press conference today following the announcement of his squad to face Malta and North Macedonia in the UEFA Nations League next month when he was asked about the fate of Toney. 

Southgate revealed that he was a huge fan of the striker, who had an impressive Premier League season before the ban, scoring a whopping 20 goals, a tally bettered by Manchester City's Erling Haaland (36) and Tottenham's Harry Kane (28).

He explained that Toney is still in his plans, and although he admits the forward's suspension might affect his fitness, he will be considered for the team to represent England as they look to better their previous second-place finish in the next edition of the Euros, coming up in 2024.

"Without a doubt. It's not ideal because he is going to miss a large chunk of the season, and we don't know physically after that period out, how he is going to adapt and play,” Southgate said, per the BBC.

"It's possible for him. There would still be time and he's really impressed us with the way he's played. I like his personality, I like his belief and the way he goes about his job."

Meanwhile, Nigeria has suffered a major blow in its pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to represent the country at international level after he received a call up from England.

Eze has been superb this season for the Eagles and has been rewarded with his first-ever international invitation to the Three Lions.

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