Ivan Toney strengthened his case for a starting role by delivering a clinical hat-trick in England’s commanding 5-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Sporting Kansas City. The practice encounter was arranged at the team’s base camp to help maintain match sharpness and fitness among players who have had limited playing time.

Manager Thomas Tuchel organised the private fixture at the Swope Soccer Village training base less than a day after England’s 4-2 World Cup opening win over Croatia. The game featured two 25-minute halves and enabled 13 members of the squad, who had minimal action in the opener, to adapt to the demanding North American weather. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins were also on the scoresheet against the MLS side, while the regular starters stayed back at the hotel for recovery sessions.

The workout proved productive for tactical cohesion, particularly as captain Harry Kane required precautionary leg strapping after experiencing cramps toward the end of Wednesday’s competitive match.

Speaking after the session, Kane said, “It was great. Great for the lads who didn’t get enough minutes yesterday to top up the tank. It was a good test. Thanks to Sporting for playing the game. They maintained high standards. They scored a nice free-kick goal themselves. From a football perspective, we knew it would be a match where we could get a few goals, which we did. But they challenged us well, and we got exactly what we wanted out of it.”

Toney’s superb treble marked his second hat-trick in a closed training environment, following another three-goal display against Miami FC the previous week. The 30-year-old striker’s selection for the tournament initially raised eyebrows, but the coaching staff appreciate his experience of coping with high-temperature conditions, gained through his stint with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. His strong physical condition offers England critical attacking depth behind Kane as the competition progresses.

England’s squad will return to full training before heading to Boston Stadium for their second Group L match against Ghana on Tuesday. Tuchel now faces a selection dilemma in the forward department due to Toney’s exceptional form and the encouraging recovery of his first-choice players. Securing another victory in Massachusetts would seal England’s qualification for the knockout stage with a match still remaining.

The question remains: how far can this England side go in the World Cup?