While Brentford manager Thomas Frank understands why England manager Gareth Southgate made the choices he did for his World Cup team, he believes that Ivan Toney should have been included in the group of 26.
Though it had been speculated earlier in the day that Toney would be left off of Southgate’s selection, the latter revealed his tournament roster on Thursday.
When questioned about specific selections at a news conference, the Three Lions manager implied that many of his decisions were down to their ‘form,’ such as the decision to select Callum Wilson as a backup striker to Harry Kane.
Although Frank was eager to pay respect to his England counterpart when he was asked about Toney’s snub before Brantford’s match against Manchester City on Saturday, he finds it inexplicable that the striker was overlooked based on the basis of ‘form.’
“That’s just the way life is. It’s a test of our resilience to keep getting back up after each setback,” Frank added.
Everyone has their own set of prejudices. I have my preferences, and Gareth has his. I’m on this side of the fence, observing him from the other.
It’s like the flip of a coin, maybe not for England, but for every other country. I think Gareth has done a fantastic job as England’s head coach, getting them to the semi-finals of the World Cup and so close on penalties [at Euro 2020]. Therefore, I believe he has done an excellent job, and we should have faith in the procedure and the choice he has been making.
However, your perspective may change everything. There is no other striker in the country that is now performing better than Harry Kane. That can never happen.
“Take a look at Madison; I assume he was chosen because he’s in good shape. Is it enough to look at players who have made a single appearance in an England uniform? Therefore, you are not chosen.
