Ivan Toney's Euro 2028 hopes thrown into doubt by court case

England forward Ivan Toney is expected to miss the European Championship being hosted in 2028. The date of his assault trial coincides with the group stage of the tournament. Toney will stand trial over an allegation that he punched and headbutted a man at a nightclub in Soho, London, in December 2025.

The Al-Ahli player appeared before a judge at Southwark Crown Court last Thursday and denied the charge. The trial was set for 12 June 2028. Judge Hehir apologized to Toney, saying the date was so far off because of the heavy workload of the courts.

The 30-year-old forward has won 10 caps for England so far. Thomas Tuchel had said he selected him for the 2026 World Cup squad specifically for his penalty-taking expertise. However, his time in the Saudi Pro League and the ongoing legal process are likely to prevent him from being included in Tuchel's European Championship squad.

Toney was released on unconditional bail, but he was asked to stay in regular contact with his lawyers over the next two years. Prosecutor Tom Heslop described the details of the incident at the first hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. According to him, Toney and the alleged victim, Saber Da Silva, got into a fight. Toney stepped forward and headbutted him, then threw several punches.