Reece James aims a playful dig at Gareth Southgate for not picking Ivan Toney

Chelsea star Reece James has aimed a playful dig at England boss Gareth Southgate for not picking Brentford striker Ivan Toney in his World Cup squad.

Toney just one day after not being picked for the Three Lions jetting off to Qatar put in a man of the match performance by notching two goals to help the Bees seal a shock 2-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City.

The former Peterborough United striker scored a header in the first-half, but his effort was cancelled out by Phil Foden as it looked as though they would have to settle for a draw.

It was clear he had other plans as he tapped home his second of the match in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Thomas Frank's side all three points.

His two goals mean he now has 10 Premier League goals this campaign, the highest English goalscorer other than Tottenham ace and England captain Harry Kane.

Toney cupped his ears after both of his goals during the match, leaving even more question marks over whether or not Southgate has made a mistake by not picking him.

The uncapped striker made his point clear by even uploading a photo of himself with his fingers in his ears on Instagram.

James, who is also not part of the Three Lions squad through injury, aimed a playful dig by commenting on Toney's post: ‘If I speak I’m in big trouble.' – the infamous quote former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho made in 2014.

Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who was also overlooked, responded with a death person emoji, replicating Toney's celebration.

Despite his celebrations, Toney told BT Sport after the match: 'Obviously disappointment [over England], but I know what I’m capable of.

‘I won’t let it put me down, I’ll keep going and keep doing well for Brentford.’