Ivan Toney in line to make England debut against Ukraine

England manager Gareth Southgate has hinted that Ivan Toney could make his international debut in Sunday’s European Championship qualifier against Ukraine.

Toney has been a consistent performer for Brentford since they gained promotion to the Premier League in 2021.

The former Newcastle United forward bagged 12 goals last term to put himself on the map as Brentford secured top-flight survival in their debut campaign.

After starting the current season with a bang, Toney earned a call-up to the England squad last September for their games against Italy and Germany but failed to make an appearance.

However, Toney, who has netted 17 times in 26 games this term, could make his debut this weekend.

“Toney has been very good- we really like him, and he is very much in our thoughts,” Southgate said (via The Athletic).

“The numbers (players) we’ve got with us now, there’s always the dual objective. There’s the desire to see players, but we’re in a qualifying group so the priority is to always win the game first and foremost.”

Toney was an unused substitute in Thursday’s 2-1 victory over Italy, where captain and record-breaker Harry Kane stole the spotlight.

It is unclear whether Kane would be given a breather against Ukraine with Toney handed a starting berth, but the striker is poised to play a part in Sunday’s fixture at Wembley Stadium as the Three Lions look to build on their midweek success.

Toney’s goals have played a defining part in Brentford’s season, with Thomas Frank’s side chasing a European finish to an already impressive campaign.

The striker was not on the scoresheet in the 1-1 draw against Leicester City heading into the international break but grabbed a goal and an assist in the previous 2-0 success over Southampton.