Wayne Rooney has voiced concerns over Ivan Toney’s decision to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, suggesting the move could jeopardise his future with the England national team, Soccernet.football reports.
Toney left Brentford this summer to become one of the highest-earning English footballers in the Saudi Pro League.
However, the 28-year-old’s switch appears to have cost him a spot in the latest England squad, as interim manager Lee Carsley overlooked him for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.
Rooney, speaking to talkSPORT, believes Toney’s move could ruin his chances of succeeding Harry Kane as England’s top striker.
When asked who might be next in line after Kane, Rooney admitted uncertainty: “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know. Ivan Toney went [to Euro 2024], Ollie Watkins went, [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin’s been off it the last few years. So, that’s up for grabs I think.”
The former England captain hinted that Toney’s decision to play in Saudi Arabia could severely impact his international future: “Ivan Toney might have ruined his chances with his move [to Saudi Arabia].”
Toney, who has earned six England caps since making his debut in March 2023, was part of the squad for Euro 2024.
He netted his first international goal in a 2-2 draw against Belgium earlier this year. Despite his impressive form in the Premier League, where he scored 36 goals in 83 appearances for Brentford, his international prospects now seem uncertain.
England will face Greece at Wembley on Thursday before heading to Finland on Sunday, with one of Kane, Ollie Watkins, and Dominic Solanke set to lead the attack.