Ivan Toney is back among the goals for Brentford after an eight-month suspension because of breaching betting rules.
The striker has scored three times in four games with the London club moving up to 14th in the Premier League table after Saturday’s 2-0 win at Wolves.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has said he expects the forward to leave in the summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal linked to the 27-year-old who is out of contract at the end of next season.
After his goal at Molineux, Toney told BBC Match of the Day: “I can’t make clubs come and get me. I’ve just got to keep doing what I do and that’s score goals and like I said, what will be will be.”
While resigned to losing his striker sooner rather than later, Frank has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to recall him to the Three Lions squad before Euro 2024.
“I know what Ivan can bring and I think it’s something different [that] England don’t have,” said Frank.
“He has always been committed for the team, for the club and his team-mates.
“Who knows what is going to happen in the summer? What Ivan is very good at is being in the moment, right now, here, ready. That’s what he is focusing on.”
Toney has one England cap, coming on as a substitute for nine minutes in a Euro 2024 qualifying win against Ukraine when he replaced Harry Kane.
The likes of Callum Wilson, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford have the advantage over Toney of being around England squads on a more regular basis where Southgate can cast a watchful eye on their progress.
With England captain Kane’s seat on the plane guaranteed, BBC Sport assesses who Toney is battling with to be among Southgate’s striking options for Euro 2024.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
2023-24 club form: 16 league & cup goals; England career: three goals, nine caps
It is not only Aston Villa who are transformed since Unai Emery took charge. Former Exeter City striker Ollie Watkins has been banging in the goals to propel himself into Southgate’s thoughts for Euro 2024. Will the hitman from Devon make the final cut?
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)
2023-24 club form: Six league & cup goals; England career: No goals, one cap
Eddie Nketiah, who has recently notched his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal, has missed out on Southgate’s latest squad following an injury. But the striker will be motivated by the England boss’ encouraging words when asked about his chances of making next summer’s tournament. “He’s an excellent finisher,” said Southgate.
Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)
2023-24 club form: Eight league & cup goals; England career: Two goals, nine caps
He is older than Kane and Wilson has regularly been thwarted by injury troubles. The 31-year-old clocked up eight Premier League goals to earn a recall to Southgate’s squad in November, although injury forced him to withdraw.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
2023-24 club form: Five league & cup goals; England career: 17 goals, 59 caps
It has been a difficult season for Rashford. The 26-year-old scored 17 Premier League goals last season but has only struck five times this campaign. Despite his struggles, Rashford retains Southgate’s trust. “He knows we love him,” said the England boss. “He’s been exceptional in the last three starts with us.” Rashford is almost certain to be included in the summer squad as a wide forward. Could he be a Plan B to lead the line?
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
2023-24 club form: 15 league & cup goals; England career: No goals, one cap
Dominic Solanke has enjoyed a fine season at Bournemouth and appears to be thriving under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola. He has scored 13 Premier League goals, already eclipsing last season’s tally of six, and is the most prolific Englishman in the top flight in 2023-24. Solanke has won just one cap for England, featuring in a friendly against Brazil in November 2017 when he was called up by Southgate.
