Wayne Rooney blasts Ivan Toney over Saudi Arabia transfer and admits England worry
Today at 06:48 AM
Wayne Rooney says Ivan Toney has ruined his international future by moving to Saudi Arabia.
Toney joined Al Ahli this summer from Brentford to become one of the highest English footballers.
The 28-year-old, who has scored three goals in seven appearances for Saudi Arabian side since signing in August, was overlook from England selection by interim boss Lee Carsley.
Rooney admits he does not know who will be the long-term replacement for Harry Kane – hinting that it will certainly not be Toney.
Kane is the current Three Lions captain and record scorer on 68 goals in 100 appearances having overtaken Rooney’s tally of 53 in 2023.
The Bayern Munich striker turns 32 next summer and whilst he’s still one of the best scorers around, many fans may already be looking to England’s future without him.
Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke have been selected in the latest squad alongside Kane for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland, both live on talkSPORT.
But Rooney believes that the former Brentford man’s switch to the Saudi Pro League could hinder his prospects of succeeding Kane.
When asked who will be England's next number nine after Harry Kane, the England and Manchester United legend exclusively told talkSPORT: “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know.
“Ivan Toney went [to Euro 2024], Ollie Watkins went, [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin's been off it the last few years. So, that’s up for grabs I think.
“Ivan Toney might have ruined his chances with his move [to Saudi Arabia]. So, you have Ollie Watkins and Callum Wilson’s had his injury issues.
“I don’t think there’s a standout player and this is when we’re talking about young players.
“For young players, who are maybe in their U18s or U21s, they will look and think about the next two to four years. We’ve seen it happen with Kobbie Mainoo who came into the squad.
“You might be looking and thinking, ‘I might be the next England no.9.’ That should give you that desire and that drive to go and push for that.”
Toney made his England debut in March 2023 when he came off the bench for Kane in their 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Ukraine.
He has earned a total of six international caps courtesy of the excellent form he showed at Brentford, where he scored 36 goals in 83 Premier League appearances.
The 28-year-old netted his first England goal with a penalty in a 2-2 draw against Belgium in March and was named in their Euro 2024 squad.
However, he won’t feature for his country during the October international break as Lee Carsley continues his interim spell as boss.
England first face Greece at Wembley on Thursday night before a trip to Finland on Sunday.
The Three Lions sit second in the Nations League B Group 2 after wins over Ireland and Finland, with Greece sitting top on goal difference.
