Iv an Toney is waiting on the bench, but he’s not nervous. The England striker smiled as his three‑year‑old asked, “Why aren’t you playing?” after England’s 0‑0 draw with Ghana at the World Cup.
The question sparked a candid chat that revealed why Toney’s relationship with manager Julian Tuchel matters more than a single substitution.
From Al‑Ahli to the England squad
After two prolific seasons in Saudi Arabia – 27 league goals for Al‑Ahli and a 0.75 goals‑per‑game strike rate – Toney earned a surprise call‑up for the World Cup in Qatar. Yet manager Tuchel, who favours a high‑press, quick‑transition style, has only used him as a late‑game option.
“I’ve had a good chat with Julian, we’re on the same path now,” Toney told the Guardian on Tuesday. “He knows what I can bring off the bench – energy, link‑up play, the ability to hold the ball and let the wingers run.”
Why does this matter?
England’s Group B is already tight. Ghana’s defence is disciplined, and the next match against Uruguay could decide who advances. If Toney can change the tempo with his physical presence, Tuchel gains a tactical weapon without reshuffling his starting XI.
For fans, the story is more than a bench‑warmer subplot. It shows how a player’s humility and willingness to adapt can keep elite squads flexible, an insight useful for any team‑player trying to stay relevant in a fast‑changing workplace.
Numbers that tell the tale
- 27 goals in 36 Saudi Pro League matches for Al‑Ahli (2024‑2026).
- 3 caps for England, all as a substitute, without a goal.
- England have created 12 clear‑cut chances in the group stage; Toney could add a fifth‑minute spark.
Tuchel’s last three World Cups have seen him rely on super‑substitutes – think of Germany’s Marco Reus in 2014. The pattern suggests Toney could become the England equivalent.
What happens next?
England face Uruguay on Thursday. If the team needs a breakthrough, Toney is likely to be introduced after the 70th minute. The striker says he’s ready: “I’m waiting for the call, and when it comes, I’ll give everything.”
Should he score, the narrative will shift from “benchwarmer” to “impact sub”, a story that could reshape his future at both club and country.
Follow the developing saga and see how a father’s bedtime answer could echo across a nation’s World Cup hopes.