Ivan Toney available for World Cup selection despite England star being under FA investigation over betting probe
IVAN Toney remains available for World Cup selection - despite being under FA investigation over a betting probe.
Uncapped Brentford striker Toney is hoping to gatecrash Gareth Southgate’s Qatar 26 when it is unveiled on Thursday.
But The Sun on Sunday revealed Toney, 26, is the subject of a seven-month probe over allegations of gambling during his lower league spells.
Toney played for Northampton, Peterborough and on loan at four other EFL clubs before joining the Bees in 2020.
FA rules ban any active participants from gambling on any football-related issues, with Kieran Trippier receiving a 10-week ban in December 2020 for passing on information ahead of his move from Spurs to Atletico Madrid.
But while Toney may face charges if FA investigators believe he has broken the regulations he is currently innocent of any misconduct and will be available if Southgate wishes to select him for the tournament.
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Toney has been in terrific form for Brentford so far this season.
He has scored eight goals in just 13 Premier League games.
His strikes include a hat trick against Leeds and a brace against Brighton, while forward exploits also came to the fore against Manchester United.
Toney ran the United defence ragged throughout the 4-0 drubbing, chipping in with two assists in the early season thrashing.
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It is very likely the 26-year-old was named in Southgate's 55-man provisional England squad.
But he will face competition from a number of his in-form compatriots, including Callum Wilson and Danny Welbeck.