Brentford’s Ivan Toney says he regrets missing out on a World Cup spot more than his eight-month suspension for violating Football Association betting rules.
The forward admitted to 232 breaches of FA betting rules and was fined £50,000 in May.
He was in contention for Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup but was left out after being charged in November.
“I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me,” he said on Kick Game YouTube channel.
“The biggest punishment was to miss out on a World Cup – everyone’s dream – it is bigger than missing eight months of football.”
Toney made his England debut as a substitute in the 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Ukraine in March, after getting his first call-up to Southgate’s squad last September.
The 27-year-old, who had a reduced ban because of a diagnosed gambling addiction, can resume training with Brentford on 17 September, four months before his ban ends on 17 January 2024.
“I done what I done before, the punishment is the punishment and get on with it,” Toney said.
“I just have to focus on when I come back training. I want to be a different animal when I come back. It’s going to be frightening.”
Toney scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last season, helping Brentford to a ninth-place finish.
