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There has never been a doubt in Ivan Toney's mind that this day would eventually come.
Jamaica tried — repeatedly — to entice the 26-year-old Brentford striker into changing his mind but Toney's intentions were clear: he wanted to play for England.
There have been doubts that he'd ever achieve his ultimate goal, though not from Toney himself or those in his inner circle.
Brentford's Ivan Toney has always held the ambition of one day being called up for England
He knew — they knew — he was good enough. Playing for Jamaica would have provided Toney with an alluring opportunity; a chance for an international career.
But it's always been England for Toney. He was prepared to wait as long as necessary. He backed himself and on Thursday he was vindicated.
His first England call-up may come as shock to some, certainly to those who wrote him off at various junctures in his career.
But not Toney. No way. He was convinced this would happen, it was simply a matter of time. That's not to say he's arrogant. Far from it. Speak to those around him and they'll tell you he is modest, quiet, almost insular.
Cocky? No, though his infamous tweet poking fun at Arsenal after their opening day win over the Gunners last season points towards a degree of devilment. 'Nice kick about with the boys,' he posted after the 2-0 victory.
The striker snubbed advances from Jamaica as he held out for a Three Lions opportunity
Gareth Southgate has called up Toney for England's Nations League fixtures later this month
But just ask peripheral staff at Brentford's training ground; from the chef to the cleaner — he is respectful and humble. Confident in his ability? Absolutely he is.
There was never a lack of faith at Brentford that Toney's time would come. All the celebratory social media content to commemorate his call-up was completed well in advance of the 2pm announcement.
Indeed, Brentford deserve their slice of credit, too. Toney's talent is beyond question, but Brentford have given the striker a platform to show the world what he is capable of when many other clubs weren't willing to make such a commitment.
Under the guidance of Thomas Frank, Toney has gone from unknown quantity to one of the most feared strikers in the country in just over two years.
'This is a fantastic day, especially for Ivan but also for everyone at Brentford,' said Bees boss Frank on Thursday. 'To have someone in the England squad is something for us to cherish.'
There was never a lack of faith at Brentford that his time would come with the national team
Thomas Frank said that Toney's call-up was a 'fantastic day for everyone at Brentford'
Of course, the call-up represents a double-edged sword for Brentford. There was interest in Toney from rivals over the summer, but nowhere near enough for Brentford to even consider cashing in.
However, if Toney's career continues on this trajectory
