Former Teammate Encourages Ivan Toney Ahead of World Cup

Marc Richards, who played alongside Ivan Toney during their time at Northampton Town in the 2014-15 season, believes Toney’s selection for England's 2026 World Cup squad is a testament to his "self-belief." The 30-year-old striker, who began his professional journey with Northampton Town in 2012, has shown remarkable growth and talent on the field.

Toney, a native of Northampton, has had an impressive career trajectory after leaving the Cobblers in 2015, with stints at clubs such as Newcastle United, Peterborough United, and Brentford. Currently, he plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Richards remarked that Toney has become a central figure for any team he joins, showcasing his ability to score goals effectively.

Despite his notable performance, Toney’s selection by coach Thomas Tuchel came as a surprise to many, especially since he has not been part of an England squad for nearly a year. As the World Cup approaches, he is anticipated to serve as a backup for captain Harry Kane in the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Richards, who is now involved in Northampton's coaching staff, acknowledged that Tuchel's decision was unexpected but expressed confidence in Toney’s potential contributions. “If we [England] need a goal, the powers that be will rely on him to go on and come up trumps," he stated. Reflecting on Toney’s growth, Richards noted, "Playing with him at such a young age, you would never have expected him to go on to play for England at a World Cup, but he's got the mindset, the audacity and the arrogance to be there and do what he needs to do."

Throughout his career, Toney has faced challenges, including an eight-month ban for breaching betting regulations in May 2023. Nevertheless, he demonstrated his skill by scoring during England's penalty shootout victory against Switzerland at Euro 2024, further solidifying his place in the national team.