ANY suggestion that Glen Johnson is a potential ‘weak link’ for England in their crucial World Cup qualifier with Croatia is a cheap shot.

Despite Fabio Capello’s side defeating Croatia’s neighbours Slovenia 2-1 in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday, visiting coach Matjaz Kek claimed that the Liverpool right-back’s attacking tendencies left lots of space in England’s defence.

But if Croatia believe this then they’re surely clutching at straws.

I think that Slaven Bilic’s men are now scared of England.

Not only were they took apart in their last meeting, England unhinged them.

Perhaps they’ll be looking for a chink in England’s armour but they won’t find it in Johnson who has been excellent since his summer switch to Anfield.

We all know that he’s very good going forward but he can defend too and he’s certainly no liability.

I’m sure that the defensive side of his game will improve under Rafael Benitez this season anyway – the Liverpool manager will demand it – but there are no real worries in that department.

It will be an interesting tussle down that flank though tomorrow night with Johnson up against former Portsmouth team-mate Niko Kranjcar who will be lining up on the left wing.

Like I said, it’s a cheap shot singling out Johnson, a bit like saying that Steven Gerrard is unhappy playing on the left.