Thomas Frank optimistic about Ivan Toney’s future as a striker following his England debut

Brentford coach Thomas Frank expresses his hopes that striker Ivan Toney’s England debut is just the beginning of more great moments for the club and the player. Toney, who didn’t make the World Cup selection, came off the bench to replace captain Harry Kane in England’s Euro 2024 qualification win over Ukraine on Sunday night. He became the first Brentford player since 1939 and the third overall to represent England. Toney has 16 Premier League goals so far this season and aims to become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s plans despite facing gambling charges.

Frank believes that Toney’s recognition and that of other Brentford players during the break shows how far the west London club has come as they fight to maintain their top-flight status. He sees this recognition as a credit to the club’s recruitment department and the players since some of them were already internationals even before joining the club. Kevin Schade also made an impressive senior debut for Germany, and Frank feels that the 21-year-old still has room for more potential.

Brentford is set to face Brighton soon, and Frank confirmed that there were no fresh injury concerns following the international break, with the exception of Shandon Baptiste’s suspension due to two yellow cards in the draw against Leicester. Meanwhile, Mads Roerslev has already recovered from a hamstring problem, but Kristoffer Ajer remains out with a calf injury.