Southgate is right to pick Toney for England
19 March 2023
Agency :
I think Gareth Southgate was right to select uncapped striker Ivan Toney in the squad for this month's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine but his decision has been met with controversy.
The Brentford striker has admitted a number of FA betting charges between 2017 and 2021. There is no suggestion that he placed wagers on any matches in which he was involved but he seems destined for a lengthy ban before the end of the season. He has been in red-hot form this season and is the joint-third top scorer in the Premier League. His tally of 14 strikes is level with that of Marcus Rashford, and only behind those of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
The criticism of Toney is more reflective of a society that is quick to judge individuals for their past mistakes. We all have things hanging over our heads at some point in life.