England must give AJ central role now

Mar 20 2007 by Mark Lawrenson, Liverpool Daily Post

THIS is the week when Andrew Johnson should finally get he England recognition he deserves.

Yes, he has won caps before but never has he had the chance to properly lead the line the way he does for Everton.

But the form he is in at the moment playing that role means Steve McClaren must give him the chance to do the same in Israel and Andorra.

It’s not even as if it’s a risk, especially with the limited options the England manager currently has.

This is no time for messing about with weird formations and sticking Wayne Rooney up in his own in a role he despises.

It’s about keeping things simple and picking the men in form in their best positions – and Johnson picks himself at the moment.

You only have to look at the way Johnson took his winner against Arsenal on Sunday to see what sort of shape he is in.

His goal came from a shot hit with the carefree confidence of a man who is back in his stride and, most encouragingly for England, in the mood to rise to the big occasion.

It was a very important game for Everton in their attempts to get into the top six and it was against one of the top four as well.

A big game that needed big players and Johnson proved he is one.