Ivan Toney has effectively been ruled out of Euro 2028 after Southwark Crown Court scheduled his trial for 12 June 2028, a date that overlaps with the tournament’s final stages. The England striker appeared in the dock to confirm his not guilty plea regarding charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Prosecutors allege Toney head-butted and punched Saber Da Silva at a Soho nightclub on 6 December last year, an incident that has cast a long shadow over his international career.
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Judge Christopher Hehir acknowledged the significant delay in setting the trial date 20 months from now, apologizing to Toney for the inconvenience. “That’s a long way, I’m sorry about that,” the judge stated, noting that crown courts are currently operating under immense pressure. Toney, dressed in a black cardigan, white shirt, and tie, was informed that he is part of a large queue of defendants awaiting crown court trials. This scheduling conflict leaves the 29-year-old with virtually no window to participate in the upcoming European Championship.
The legal proceedings mark a pivotal moment for Toney, who has faced scrutiny over his conduct both on and off the pitch. While the trial date does not constitute a conviction, the timing creates an insurmountable logistical barrier for his selection in Euro 2028. Fans and analysts alike now focus on whether Toney can clear his name in the courtroom and potentially return to the England squad for future competitions, such as the 2030 World Cup, once the legal matter is resolved.
Source: The Guardian Sport
