Ivan Toney's England career has been given a glimmer of hope despite his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. Lee Carsley, the interim England manager, has refused to dismiss Toney's chances and plans to watch him play for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
Despite signing a four-year contract worth £57million and being part of the Euros squad, Toney was not included in Carsley's first selection, casting doubt over his future with the national team.
Jordan Henderson lost his England spot after moving to the Saudi Pro League and his international career appears all but over, while Dutch manager Ronald Koeman dropped Steven Bergwijn from his squad following his move to the Middle East.
However, former Republic of Ireland international Carsley insists he won't shut the door on the ex-Brentford striker. Carsley said: "I was thinking about that to be honest.
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"I think ultimately as an interim head coach I don't think I can rule anyone in or out. It would be really interesting to go out and see Ivan play and see the level and see the tempo and see the standard.
"We've got access to the games so I'll definitely be following his progression out there. It would be good to go and see an actual live game to get a feel of the atmosphere and the pace of the game because sometimes you don't quite get that on a video.
"So, yeah, he's definitely not ruled out. We have to be mindful.... I've got a perception of the football out there but I've not been out there and seen it.
"So I think it would be reckless to rule somebody in or out so he's definitely not ruled out and yeah I would like to go and sample and see what the football's like out there."
Harry Maguire has meanwhile received a huge vote of confidence from Carsley. The Manchester United defender did not make the Three Lions' squad for the Euros as he battled to overcome injury.
Maguire, 31, did not start United's last game with Liverpool either but Carsley is ready to start the big centre half in their Nations League showdown with Republic of Ireland.
England interim boss Carsley said: "He's a leader. He leads by example in terms of his preparation on and off the pitch. Obviously his quality is there to see as well when we do our sessions, so that's what I'm expecting to see.
"In the games that I've seen him play, I think he's got stronger as the games have gone on. Also, obviously, he didn't play in Manchester United's last game, but he's come into camp physically very, very good.
"And mentally, yeah, he's been good on and off the pitch I felt. What I want we've already had in terms of the way he's been around the squad, what I expected."
