Bees boss backs Toney for England call-up

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Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes Ivan Toney will get a call-up to the England squad “sooner rather than later” if the striker continues his recent run of form.

Toney has scored five goals in his past two games to take his Premier League tally to 11 for the season, but England manager Gareth Southgate opted not to select him in his latest squad.

Frank, however, insists Toney has what it takes to be a future England player.


“I think there is very big competition in the England squad. I really like Ivan as a player and I think especially the last few games he’s played, he’s been fantastic,” Frank said.

“I think if he continues at this level he will get the call-up sooner rather than later.

“It’s about that consistency in his performances that will let him get that call-up, but I would say the competition is quite big.

“If Ivan is competing against another striker who is on a similar level, maybe his ability on penalties maybe just edges it for him to get picked for the squad.”

One Brentford player who has been called up to his national team is Spanish goalkeeper David Raya – who made the squad at the expense of Manchester United’s David de Gea.

Raya has only recently returned from a three-month spell out with a knee injury and Frank insists his call-up is fully deserved.

“He has clear and obvious abilities in terms of playing with his feet, he’s very aggressive in terms of his positioning and going for crosses and so on,” Frank said.

“I think he definitely deserved it. He’s crucial for the way we play.”