‘We’re on the same path now’: Toney on good terms with Tuchel and awaiting his chance

I t was after England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in their second World Cup group game on Tuesday that Ivan Toney was reminded that young children ask the best questions. Two of his three boys were there – the eldest is back at home – and one of them came straight out with it. Toney is laughing as he tells the story and pretty soon so is everyone else. “My son is saying: ‘Ah, why have I travelled all this way and you’re not playing?’” the Al-Ahli striker says. “It’s hard to respond to that. It’s like: ‘Daddy is waiting …’” Toney is asked whether the boy has a Harry Kane shirt. “To be fair, he has gone to see those boys, not me,” he replies. “After the game, it was the first time he’s seen me and I went to give him a big hug. He brushed me aside and said: ‘Where’s Saka? Where’s Dec [Rice]?’ I miss you too, boy!” Toney is under no illusions as to where he stands in the England No 9s pecking order – firmly behind Kane and probably Ollie Watkins too. But with knowledge and clarity come comfort and focus. As England prepare for their final group game against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday, Toney is waiting. He is ready. The 30-year-old is one of Thomas Tuchel’s finishers – a player to come off the bench towards the end, even at the very end, for a specific purpose. In Toney’s case, it is to make his presence felt inside the area, to bring a bit of chaos, to make something happen, maybe on a set piece; especially if England are chasing a goal. …