Newcastle United supporters all say the same thing in…

Newcastle United supporters all say the same thing in response to Ivan Toney claim

Newcastle United fans have been quick to respond to Darren Bent's claim that Ivan Toney is the best striker for England behind captain Harry Kane. The former Sunderland star did not namecheck Callum Wilson as he listed Gareth Southgate's attacking options ahead of the World Cup.

Newcastle's number nine has not been shy it outlining his ambition to force his way into the Three Lions' squad for this winter's tournament in Qatar. Wilson has made a flying start to the season, following up an opening-day goal against Nottingham Forest with an outstanding strike against Manchester City.

The former Bournemouth striker has earned four England caps, but has not featured for his country since 2019. The 30-year-old has finished as the Magpies' top goalscorer for the last two seasons, but has also been plagued by injury setbacks during his time in black-and-white.

Toney made just four senior appearances for Newcastle before signing for Peterborough United in 2018, and the striker's blistering form with the Posh earned him a move to Brentford. The 26-year-old followed up a record-breaking debut season with the Bees with 12 Premier League goals last term.

Southgate is yet to hand Toney an England call-up, and will likely be mulling over his attacking options ahead of next month's international break. Bent believes the Brentford striker is the Three Lions' best alternative to Kane right now, and is surprised bigger clubs have not made a move for the former Newcastle prospect.

Bent told talkSPORT: "You take Harry Kane out of the scenario, right now Ivan Toney is the best English centre-forward. He's playing better than all of them.

"You look at his performances, he's playing better than [Ollie] Watkins, he's playing better than [Danny] Ings and Tammy Abraham who is out in Serie A with Roma. Ivan Toney as an all-round centre-forward right now, look at him.

"He's scoring goals, he's a beast in the air, but not only that he works incredibly hard. I'm really surprised none of the big heads have gone you know what, we'll have a chance on him because Gareth Southgate has got to be looking."

Toney and Wilson have both netted twice in their opening three Premier League fixtures. Here is how Newcastle fans reacted to Bent's claim and the talkSPORT pundit's decision to overlook the Magpies number nine.

'Couldn't lace Wilson's boots'

'Does Wilson not exist?'

'Does Wilson play basketball?'

'Fantastic options'

'Not named Callum Wilson'

'Spelt Wilson wrong'

'Tremendous striker'