England star Ivan Toney has revealed he held “clear the air” talks with Thomas Tuchel before the Three Lions’ World Cup clash with Panama.
The striker was one of the surprise inclusions in Tuchel’s squad for the tournament in North America after spending almost a year out of the England picture.
Toney had not been selected since the June internationals in 2025, when Tuchel publicly questioned his “level of training and level of commitment”.
But the Al-Ahli forward, who has scored 72 goals across the past two seasons, believes the England manager now has a much clearer understanding of his personality and what he brings to the squad.
Toney is yet to feature at the World Cup but could be involved against Panama in New York on Saturday night as Tuchel considers changes for England’s final Group L fixture.
The 30-year-old accepts he may have to make his impact from the bench and insists he has no intention of letting frustration affect the mood in camp.
“I know I’m not going to play every game; not going to get a lot of minutes, but I’ll still be training well, smiling,” Toney said.
“I’m sure there are some players in other camps that might be a bit moody and bring the mood down.
England star Ivan Toney has revealed he held “clear the air” talks with Thomas Tuchel before the Three Lions’ World Cup clash with Panama
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Ivan Toney could feature for England against Panama at the World Cup tonight
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“But that’s never how I am.”
Toney admitted there may have been misunderstandings between himself and Tuchel in the past, but said those issues have now been addressed.
“Maybe miscommunication played a part and that’s why we cleared the air,” he said.
“We’re on the same path now and things are sorted.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
“I think it was just more of because he doesn’t really know me as a person.
“It’s speaking more and diving deeper into what I’m about and what he’s about.
“He got good feedback on me from other players and other people not in football but outside the game.
“And I think now he’s starting to see the real me. Hopefully he’s pleased with me being here.”
Tuchel has been clear with every player about their role in the squad during the tournament.
Toney says that honesty has helped him manage his expectations, even though he is eager to get onto the pitch.
“It’s better because going into a tournament not knowing where you stand is going to be frustrating,” he said.
“He told me what my situation was.
Ivan Toney flourished for Al-Ahli last season to force his way back in the England fold
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“I’ve been here before, been on the bench and been scrambling to try and get on the pitch.”
Toney compared his current situation to his early days at Peterborough United, where he had to wait for an opportunity before making his mark.
“I didn’t play for the first nine games and the players in the team were playing well,” he added.
“I waited for my chance and managed to take it and thankfully scored a good amount of goals.
“You just have to be ready for your chance and take it.
“If it comes I’ll try and do what I do best which is score goals and help the team.”
