Ivan Toney responded to being left out of Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad for the World Cup in the best possible way.

The Brentford striker scored twice during an incredible 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime.

After both of his goals, Toney responded by putting his fingers in his ears in apparent response to Southgate's decision to leave him at home.

After the match, Toney posted an image of his celebration on his Instagram without a caption. In truth, he didn't need to write anything because he had done all of his talking on the pitch.

But Toney's Instagram provoked a rather interesting comment from Reece James.

The Chelsea full back was also left out of Southgate's England squad - although that decision was more based on fitness rather than form.

James replied: "If I speak I am in big trouble."

Reece James responds to Toney's Instagram post

It seems James very much disagrees with Southgate's decision to snub Toney.

Reece James on Toney's Instagram

Southgate explains why he left Toney out

When asked about leaving Toney out of the squad, Southgate explained: “With Ivan, we wanted to find out a little bit more about him last month and he’s done brilliantly to get himself in the frame and now he’s got to use that as a springboard to be available and get involved with England in the future.”

Asked how Toney responded to the disappointing news over the phone, Southgate said: “He’s a strong character and he’s a really solid guy and he took it very well.

“I found him to be very mature and that’s how he reacted to it. I’m sure that the disappointment was there but I have to say he was really professional.”

Instead, it was Wilson who got the nod ahead of the likes of Toney, Tammy Abraham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

“Tammy is in that group as well because he’s been with us for more of the more recent squads," Southgate added.

“Callum wasn’t available to us in September and that was one of the reasons why we wanted to have a look at Ivan because Callum has had injuries in the past.

We still feel that Dominic Calvert-Lewin has got so many good attributes as well and unfortunately he’s not able to stay fit.

“There were a number of players in that mix. At the moment we feel that Callum is in a really good moment, his team are going well and that’s helped and he’s been with us a little bit more before we’ve seen him on the pitch."

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