THOMAS TUCHEL hinted Ivan Toney may have to get used to limited game time due to his “specialist role”.
The striker was an unused substitute against Andorra and had to wait until the 88th minute to feature against Senegal.
Toney watched on glumly from the bench with England trailing 2-1 as Morgan Rodgers, Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke and Jude Bellingham all got the nod ahead of him.
He was eventually brought on for three remaining minutes plus stoppage time but was unable to impact the match, with Senegal instead scoring a third to win 3-1.
After the match Tuchel spoke to ITV and was asked to explain the reason behind Toney’s late introduction.
He said: “First of all it was more than three minutes.
“Second of all I think that Ivan is a specialist for exactly these situations.
“We created a lot of chances with Gibbs-White, with Ebs [Eberechi Eze], with Morgan Rodgers, and with Jude in fluid positions.
“I think Ivan is strongest when we have a phase where we have a lot of balls in the box and that was the case, so after 80 minutes we got him ready.
“Then we scored and they took the goal away and it took a little while longer than we wanted but that’s what he can give – presence in the box and a goal later in the match.”
Captain Harry Kane started ahead of Toney for both matches and scored in both.
Toney was recalled to the England squad for the first time since his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli last summer.
He last featured for the Three Lions in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain, but played just one minute.
Tuchel spoke of Toney deserving his recall ahead of the fixtures against Andorra and Senegal.
He said: “Ivan deserves to be with us. I’m convinced.
“He’s scored over 20 goals for Al Ahli this season, he won a major title – the Asian Champions League – and had a big involvement in the team in goals and assists.”
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