Brentford striker Ivan Toney expressed the “painful” experience of watching the 2022 World Cup while realising he could have been a part of the England squad.
Toney missed the tournament due to allegations of betting, which surfaced just before the Three Lions’ squad announcement.
Although he received an eight-month ban in May, the former Peterborough United star described the timing of the revelations about his betting rule violations as “spiteful.” He recently discussed the challenges of witnessing the competition, acknowledging that he could have participated if selected.
He told Sky Sports: “I did watch a bit [of the World Cup] but that was even more painful watching, knowing I could have been involved in that but listen, what’s done is done.
“I can’t change anything; yes, it was painful but life is painful sometimes. You have just got to fly by it and concentrate on what is in front rather than what is behind.”
Ivan Toney is poised to become a focal point of discussions during the January transfer window, with Brentford reportedly placing a £100 million valuation on him to ward off interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
After an eight-month absence due to a ban, Toney is expected to make a return to first-team football on January 20, when Brentford faces Nottingham Forest.
However, uncertainties linger about his future at the club.
While his ban lasts until January 17, ruling him out of Brentford’s FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves on January 15, he might feature against Forest. Yet, if a substantial offer emerges this month, Toney could find himself at a new club in February.