KYLE Walker-Peters feels Ivan Toney will be experiencing something similar to what he already did this year, ahead of the latest England international squad announcement.

The Three Lions have just two Nations League matches remaining to prepare for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, beginning in November.

Gareth Southgate’s side travel to Italy on Friday, September 23, before hosting Germany on Monday, September 26. Then, it is Iran in their opening World Cup clash.

Walker-Peters is among a number of Three Lions debutants to be handed their first steps on the international stage this year, playing twice at Wembley in March.

Brentford forward Toney is the latest name touted for a debut after his Premier League form, in which he has scored five goals and provided two assists in six matches this campaign.

Daily Echo:

If Toney wants to be on the plane to Qatar, he will have to make an impact now. Meanwhile, Walker-Peters knows he faces stiff competition in full-back for a berth of his own.

“I think as a striker he’ll be looking at all the other English strikers and hoping to get more goals than them and more assists than them,” Walker-Peters said.

“I think that's the right way to go about it as a striker. A lot of the time that's what you're judged on.

“Ivan Toney is a really good player, I have played against him a couple of times now and he's really strong, he has good hold-up play,” he added.

Walker-Peters had been due to face the forward, who has scored 74 league goals since the beginning of the 2019-20 season, on Saturday, before the Premier League's postponement. 

“I'm guessing that’s what he's going through because, in the same way, that’s what I was going through trying to get into the England squad.”

While Saints teammate James Ward-Prowse was, Walker-Peters was not part of the England squad that played four matches following the end of last term, in June.

The likes of Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier are shoo-ins for Southgate in full-back, but Walker-Peters’ versatility offers him a small chance of featuring.

“Every week I’m trying to outperform other full-backs,” the Saints star admitted.

“Every week I’m trying to get assists, I’m trying to score. That’s what you’ve got to do, if you want it, you have to show people and have that hunger.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook