Ivan Toney has declared he is 'ready' to lead England's World Cup charge - if he gets the nod from Gareth Southgate.
The Brentford hotshot took his tally to eight goals for the season with a well-taken double in Friday night's 2-0 win over Brighton. Toney was called up to the England squad for the recent UEFA Nations League games against Italy and Germany, but was left frustrated as he failed to make it on to the pitch.
However, he boosted his chances of getting a seat on the plane to Qatar with his latest scoring exploits as he moved alongside Harry Kane in the Premier League goal charts. Toney told Sky Sports that he is confident he can replicate that form for the Three Lions if Southgate selects him.
He said: “I'm ready to go. Everyone's talking about England. I was disappointed not to get on last time but you've got to keep working. I just keep doing what I do best - score goals and do well for the team.
“With England you are playing with the best of the best. Without being big headed I didn't feel out of place. I felt I was ready for that step and whenever it comes along, I'm ready.
"I'm just trying to do the best I can for the team and if it's enough to get on the plane to the World Cup then so be it. All I can do is do my job and then hopefully it is enough. If I get to the World Cup then hopefully I'll get some minutes there."
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Toney gave the Bees a first-half lead with a deft flick, then made the points safe after the break with a calmly-taken penalty - his 20th successful effort from the spot.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: "It's up to Gareth to choose but Ivan has something special not many have. It would be a big thing if he got the first cap, that would be amazing. It would be the first time in 80 years for this club.
"I am biased but I think he is a perfect fit for the squad if you want that flexibility for the squad."
Sky Sports duo Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville were full of praise for Toney at the final whistle and backed him to go to Qatar next month.
Neville said: 'They've got a lot of players England that can play either side of Harry Kane, but they don't have a lot of centre-forwards. We're talking about an area of the team that isn't the most blessed.
"I think Ivan Toney is someone who if he can keep in form in the next couple of weeks, he will be in with a great chance of going."
