Ivan Toney’s Euro 2028 hopes face uncertainty after court date is set
England striker Ivan Toney could face an unwanted interruption to his international ambitions after a court scheduled his trial for June 2028—the same month Euro 2028 is due to begin. The Al-Ahli forward has denied an allegation of assault, and no verdict has been reached. However, the timing of the proceedings may create uncertainty as England plans for a major tournament on home soil.
Toney appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday in connection with an alleged incident involving Saber da Silva at a London nightclub on 6 December. According to Sky Sports, Toney pleaded not guilty and maintains that he did not commit the alleged assault. Judge Chris Hehir granted him unconditional bail and set the trial to begin on 12 June 2028.
Trial date overlaps with Euro 2028
The court date falls during Euro 2028, which the United Kingdom and Ireland are scheduled to host from 9 June to 9 July. The overlap does not, by itself, determine whether Toney will be selected or whether he could play. But a trial lasting several weeks could make the situation more complicated for the player, England’s coaching staff and tournament organisers.
According to The Sun, Judge Hehir apologised for the long wait before the case could be heard, explaining that the courts were under significant pressure. The delay means the legal process is set to continue for years before reaching trial, leaving Toney’s future plans subject to an unresolved case during a particularly important period in the football calendar.
For England, the issue is not simply whether Toney is available on a matchday. A major tournament requires players to take part in preparation camps, tactical sessions, media commitments and travel. If court hearings coincide with those duties, the schedule could pose practical challenges—even though the outcome and precise length of the trial remain unknown.
What the ruling means—and what it does not
The court’s decision is a scheduling ruling, not a finding of guilt. Toney has denied the charge, and he remains on unconditional bail while awaiting trial. Until the case is heard, it would be premature to draw conclusions about the allegation or its eventual impact on his career.
Likewise, the trial date does not automatically rule Toney out of Euro 2028. His selection will depend on a range of factors, including his form, fitness, role within the squad and the circumstances closer to the tournament. Any decision about his participation would also need to take account of the legal timetable and relevant guidance available at the time.
That distinction matters because speculation around high-profile players can quickly turn a pending case into a prediction about sporting consequences. At present, the clearest fact is that the trial is scheduled to overlap with the tournament—not that Toney has been excluded from England’s plans.
A place in England’s plans is still to be earned
Toney has long sought to establish himself as a regular option for England. He was part of the wider international picture but did not secure a starting role at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where England finished with the bronze medal. Euro 2028 could offer another opportunity to make a decisive contribution, particularly if he continues to perform consistently at club level.
His move to Al-Ahli gives him a different setting in which to build momentum. Strong performances in the Saudi Pro League could help keep him in the conversation, but international selection is never guaranteed. England’s attacking options may change considerably before 2028, and competition for places is likely to depend on form across several seasons rather than reputation alone.
For a centre-forward, the case for selection is usually built through reliable scoring, movement in the penalty area, link-up play and the ability to contribute when matches are tight. Toney’s physical presence and experience could suit a tournament squad, but he will need to remain fit and productive if he hopes to convince England’s selectors.
Why the timing could matter for England
Euro 2028 will be a major event for the host nations, with England expected to face intense attention from supporters and the media. Tournament preparation is carefully planned, and managers typically want a settled group well before the opening match. A player dealing with a court appearance during that period could face competing demands on his time and focus.
There are still important unknowns. The trial’s duration has not been established, and the schedule could potentially change as the case progresses. The court may also issue further directions before 2028. For now, the overlap creates a question for the future rather than a confirmed obstacle that makes participation impossible.
England’s eventual squad will also depend on the manager in charge, the team’s tactical approach and the availability of other forwards. A prediction about Toney’s Euro 2028 role would therefore be premature. The more realistic assessment is that his football performances and the progress of the legal case will both be watched closely as the tournament approaches.
Focus now turns to the long road ahead
With the trial date more than a year away, Toney’s immediate priority is likely to be his club career and maintaining the form required to stay in contention for England. The court process will continue independently, while the national team’s plans develop over time.
For supporters, the story is a reminder that a player’s tournament prospects can be shaped by more than goals and selection decisions. Toney has denied the allegation, and the case remains unresolved. Whether he features at Euro 2028 will depend on events that are still to come—but a court date set during the competition has placed an unexpected question mark over one of England’s potential attacking options.
