Thomas Frank pleaded with Gareth Southgate to call up Ivan Toney for his country after the Brentford striker emerged from the hospital to seal a surprising 2-0 victory over Wolves.
Ten minutes before the break, Christian Norgaard headed Sergio Reguilon’s corner over a stranded Jose Sa, giving the Bees, who had not won on the road since late October, a well-earned first goal.
Pedro Neto gave Wolves two strikes against the post, and they believed they had equalised when Craig Dawson glanced a cross into the goal but VAR flagged the defender offside.
The crucial Matheus Cunha, who was replaced after a serious fall just before halftime, worriedly headed straight down the tunnel. Despite dominating the second period, the hosts were unable to generate any more opportunities.
Toney skillfully volleyed a second goal home from Brentford’s lone second-half opportunity, displaying a clinical edge rather than the squad that had let up a league-high 26 points from winning positions.
“I know what Ivan can bring and I think it’s something different England don’t have,” said Frank afterwards of his forward, who earned his one England cap against Ukraine at Wembley last March.
“He played a fine game, not a top game but the strikers need to score goals. He scored again when he had to and he played with illness, he was ill Thursday, Friday and today.
“It shows everything about his mentality. He is unique. He has always been committed for the team, for the club and his team-mates.
“Who knows what is going to happen in the summer? What Ivan is very good at is being in the moment, right now, here, ready. That’s what he is focusing on.
“It would be great if he keeps going. He has all the qualities for it. We know we will create chances for him and big chances.”
Wolves travel to Tottenham on Saturday while Brentford host Liverpool on the same day.
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