Steve thinks Johnson is really pushing for an England place

theo kawala · 10-02-2006, 07:19 AM

Steve McClaren admits Andrew Johnson's spectacular start to the season is giving him a selection headache.

Johnson, 25, has been in prolific form since moving to Everton from Crystal Palace in the summer.

He scored his sixth goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Manchester City to maintain Everton's unbeaten start to the season.

The England boss has started his first three games with Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe in attack.

Wayne Rooney will return for Saturday's game against Macedonia, probably at the expense of Defoe, but Johnson's claims are difficult to ignore.

McClaren said: "When you look at the strikers, Jermain has come in and played three and done very well when he's played with Peter Crouch.

"But for me Andy Johnson is the one who is really coming through.

"He's got his head at Everton. I thought it was a terrific signing.

"He's blossoming. He's started the season well.

"I've seen him two or three times and he's really impressed me with his work ethic and the way he works for the team.

"He's really pushing the strikers very hard. He deserves his place in the squad and he's knocking on the door to get in the team."

McClaren admits Rooney is an automatic choice despite his poor goal record for England in the last two years.

The Manchester United striker has only scored twice for his country since Euro 2004, both goals coming in friendlies.

Rooney is certain to start after returning from suspension and Crouch is likely to partner him.

Crouch has 11 goals in 14 games for England and scored a stunning overhead kick for Liverpool in Europe last week.

McClaren said: "His goalscoring record is unbelievable.

"You can't knock his record and, once again, he answered last week.

"They're not just goals, they're terrific goals.

"I've seen him do that in training.

"He's not just 6ft 7ins standing there. He's got great touch, great feet, great awareness, he's improving all the time and he's scoring goals.

"You can't knock his form or the way he's playing at the moment.

"As long as he's doing that and delivering, he's very difficult to get out of the team."

Defoe scored twice for England against Andorra last month but has not been able to impose himself on the team like Crouch.

The Tottenham striker looks set for the chop against Macedonia and will find himself slipping behind Johnson in the pecking order unless he rediscovers his goal-touch soon.

Charlton's Darren Bent, dropped from the squad to make way for Rooney's return, answered McClaren with a goal against Arsenal yesterday.

Bent now has five for the season and the England boss hopes he can fire the England Under-21 team to the European Championships.

Peter Taylor's side take on Germany on Friday in the first leg of the play-off for next summer's tournament.

McClaren said: "Darren is out because of Wayne Rooney's inclusion and because the under-21 game is a very important one for us.

"I want him to play in that. I've discussed it with Peter and discussed it with Darren.

"Although he's very much in our plans for the future we'd like him this time to play in the under-21s and help them qualify for the tournament in the summer."

Joe · 10-02-2006, 10:14 AM

He is cetainly pushing for it, especially with Owen out.

I would have him in the squad at least, this is the time to experiment a and give these guys some international experience - not at the World Cup.

Tim18 · 10-02-2006, 11:13 AM

I rate him higher than Crouch, he deserves a call up.

goldenHuddlestone · 10-02-2006, 04:11 PM

He's injured

theo kawala · 10-02-2006, 06:21 PM

yep very bad news as he was doing fantastic in the prem

waynelyp90 · 10-03-2006, 01:28 AM

everton just need him to survive and win games. hope he'll be back soon. England already have wayne rooney back behind crouch.

theo kawala · 10-03-2006, 07:36 AM

yer rooney and crouch are a good explanation as crouch has got the height to head and score and rooney has the power and the skill to get pass and score great goals that is one good combination

abbot · 10-03-2006, 11:30 AM

morning all, my 1st post so go easy on me,
AJ should be in the team no doubt, my opinion is that if you are doing it at the top level, Prem, and English, then thats what leads you to a call up to the national squad, I would sooner see him in there than crouch, I don't knock crouch he has done great for us, and should be in the squad, however with AJ's power, pace, and finishing prowess at present, he will put more fear in to the opposition that 2 meter peter.

thats my thoughts anyway,

this gave me a quick smile (I rate him higher than Crouch, he deserves a call up.)

Joe · 10-03-2006, 01:31 PM

Welcome to the forum abbot!

I have never been a big fan of Crouch, he has what it takes to be a good Premiership striker but questionable at International level. AJ should be given a chance [just a pity he has an injury] as his form is great at the moment. The question is whther AJ has the quality to be able to play at this level too.

Dean Ashton is one that I would like to see more of, he could be a better option than Crouch.

Many others before him have looked good in the Premiership but just can't take that type of performance into the national side.

theo kawala · 10-03-2006, 05:10 PM

bent Aj Ashton these are some of the players that deserve to play some games

waynelyp90 · 10-04-2006, 02:04 AM

crouch is having problems with his own club, Liverpool. He proved what he can in the CL, but I don't know what Benitez is thinking for not letting him a start in the Premier League.

theo kawala · 10-04-2006, 07:54 AM

he has a lot of options up front bellamy crouch fowler kuyt etc these players all need to wait for there go and do well in training

Worksop_Owl · 10-04-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim18

I rate him higher than Crouch, he deserves a call up.

HIGHER THAN CROUCH???? he has made on of the best starts to an england career i have seen in my life. he scored to amazing champions league goals. and he is not even given a starting line up game, with kuyt and bellamy being benitez's "Chosen 2".

King of Kings · 10-04-2006, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aeon_Owl

HIGHER THAN CROUCH???? he has made on of the best starts to an england career i have seen in my life. he scored to amazing champions league goals. and he is not even given a starting line up game, with kuyt and bellamy being benitez's "Chosen 2".

Crouch is banging them in and deserves his place. The other strikers need to prove more before they get ahead of him.

Agree with you on Benitez, the squad rotation at Liverpool is not helping Crouch or England either.

Worksop_Owl · 10-04-2006, 09:23 AM

benitez cud help himself by taking a look at how many goals crouchy has scored this season and compare it to kuyt and bellamy. i think he will b surprised to fine out that he wud win MORE games if Crouch was in the squad. kuyt would b a gr8 partner

waynelyp90 · 10-04-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aeon_Owl

benitez cud help himself by taking a look at how many goals crouchy has scored this season and compare it to kuyt and bellamy. i think he will b surprised to fine out that he wud win MORE games if Crouch was in the squad. kuyt would b a gr8 partner

yeah, totally agree with it. Crouch should get more games for Liverpool. Any Liverpool fans here to agree with it?

theo kawala · 10-04-2006, 10:54 AM

i think crouch deserves to play for both club and country more as he is on great form if he doesnt get the games he needs his confidence will go which is bad. He can score as he has done in the last few games and will get his chances when england plays macedonia

goldenHuddlestone · 10-04-2006, 03:50 PM

I hate crouch bashing lol

theo kawala · 10-04-2006, 06:59 PM

u h8 him y?

Worksop_Owl · 10-05-2006, 08:40 AM

how can u h8 crouchy??? he is a goal machine, 11 goals in 12 games (isnt it?) for england and even mclaren sex he wud b stupid to drop him.

King of Kings · 10-05-2006, 10:35 AM

Because he is lanky and doesn't even look like a footballer, even in the dark, people will always slate PC. His record speaks for itself and he deserves his place but he will really struggle to keep it in the future with boo boys and certain pundits against him.

Worksop_Owl · 10-05-2006, 11:21 AM

wot do u mean he doesnt look like a footballer?? jus cos he hasnt got massive muscles doesnt mean he isnt a player. ronneys fat does he not luk like a footballer??

"never judge a book by its cover" m8

theo kawala · 10-05-2006, 05:19 PM

roooney aint that fat its 11 goals in 14 matches by the way it is a very good record as well by crouchy and there should be no reason why any1 should hate him he is a good player with a good record if u think about it so what hif he doesnt look like a footy player as Aeon_owl just said dont judge a book by its cover

10-02-2006, 07:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	Steve thinks Johnson is really pushing for an England place Steve McClaren admits Andrew Johnson's spectacular start to the season is giving him a selection headache. Johnson, 25, has been in prolific form since moving to Everton from Crystal Palace in the summer. He scored his sixth goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Manchester City to maintain Everton's unbeaten start to the season. The England boss has started his first three games with Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe in attack. Wayne Rooney will return for Saturday's game against Macedonia, probably at the expense of Defoe, but Johnson's claims are difficult to ignore. McClaren said: "When you look at the strikers, Jermain has come in and played three and done very well when he's played with Peter Crouch. "But for me Andy Johnson is the one who is really coming through. "He's got his head at Everton. I thought it was a terrific signing. "He's blossoming. He's started the season well. "I've seen him two or three times and he's really impressed me with his work ethic and the way he works for the team. "He's really pushing the strikers very hard. He deserves his place in the squad and he's knocking on the door to get in the team." McClaren admits Rooney is an automatic choice despite his poor goal record for England in the last two years. The Manchester United striker has only scored twice for his country since Euro 2004, both goals coming in friendlies. Rooney is certain to start after returning from suspension and Crouch is likely to partner him. Crouch has 11 goals in 14 games for England and scored a stunning overhead kick for Liverpool in Europe last week. McClaren said: "His goalscoring record is unbelievable. "You can't knock his record and, once again, he answered last week. "They're not just goals, they're terrific goals. "I've seen him do that in training. "He's not just 6ft 7ins standing there. He's got great touch, great feet, great awareness, he's improving all the time and he's scoring goals. "You can't knock his form or the way he's playing at the moment. "As long as he's doing that and delivering, he's very difficult to get out of the team." Defoe scored twice for England against Andorra last month but has not been able to impose himself on the team like Crouch. The Tottenham striker looks set for the chop against Macedonia and will find himself slipping behind Johnson in the pecking order unless he rediscovers his goal-touch soon. Charlton's Darren Bent, dropped from the squad to make way for Rooney's return, answered McClaren with a goal against Arsenal yesterday. Bent now has five for the season and the England boss hopes he can fire the England Under-21 team to the European Championships. Peter Taylor's side take on Germany on Friday in the first leg of the play-off for next summer's tournament. McClaren said: "Darren is out because of Wayne Rooney's inclusion and because the under-21 game is a very important one for us. "I want him to play in that. I've discussed it with Peter and discussed it with Darren. "Although he's very much in our plans for the future we'd like him this time to play in the under-21s and help them qualify for the tournament in the summer." MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!

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10-02-2006, 10:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
Joe Football Talk Admin Join Date: May 2006 Location: Glasgow Posts: 15,571 vCash: 500	He is cetainly pushing for it, especially with Owen out. I would have him in the squad at least, this is the time to experiment a and give these guys some international experience - not at the World Cup. Thanks for visiting FootballTalk.org. You could register now and have your say.

10-02-2006, 06:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	yep very bad news as he was doing fantastic in the prem MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!

10-03-2006, 01:28 AM	#6 (permalink)
waynelyp90 Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 280 vCash: 435	everton just need him to survive and win games. hope he'll be back soon. England already have wayne rooney back behind crouch. GLORY GLORY MANCHESTER UNITED

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10-02-2006, 11:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tim18 First Team Regular Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 65 vCash: 500	I rate him higher than Crouch, he deserves a call up.

10-02-2006, 04:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
goldenHuddlestone Admin Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,647 vCash: 480	He's injured

10-03-2006, 07:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	yer rooney and crouch are a good explanation as crouch has got the height to head and score and rooney has the power and the skill to get pass and score great goals that is one good combination MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!

10-03-2006, 11:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
abbot New Signing Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2 vCash: 500	morning all, my 1st post so go easy on me, AJ should be in the team no doubt, my opinion is that if you are doing it at the top level, Prem, and English, then thats what leads you to a call up to the national squad, I would sooner see him in there than crouch, I don't knock crouch he has done great for us, and should be in the squad, however with AJ's power, pace, and finishing prowess at present, he will put more fear in to the opposition that 2 meter peter. thats my thoughts anyway, this gave me a quick smile (I rate him higher than Crouch, he deserves a call up.)

10-03-2006, 01:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
Joe Football Talk Admin Join Date: May 2006 Location: Glasgow Posts: 15,571 vCash: 500	Welcome to the forum abbot! I have never been a big fan of Crouch, he has what it takes to be a good Premiership striker but questionable at International level. AJ should be given a chance [just a pity he has an injury] as his form is great at the moment. The question is whther AJ has the quality to be able to play at this level too. Dean Ashton is one that I would like to see more of, he could be a better option than Crouch. Many others before him have looked good in the Premiership but just can't take that type of performance into the national side. Thanks for visiting FootballTalk.org. You could register now and have your say.

10-03-2006, 05:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	bent Aj Ashton these are some of the players that deserve to play some games MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!

10-04-2006, 02:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
waynelyp90 Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 280 vCash: 435	crouch is having problems with his own club, Liverpool. He proved what he can in the CL, but I don't know what Benitez is thinking for not letting him a start in the Premier League. GLORY GLORY MANCHESTER UNITED

10-04-2006, 07:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	he has a lot of options up front bellamy crouch fowler kuyt etc these players all need to wait for there go and do well in training MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!

10-04-2006, 09:23 AM	#15 (permalink)
Worksop_Owl Veteran Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Urmumsville Posts: 307 vCash: 472	benitez cud help himself by taking a look at how many goals crouchy has scored this season and compare it to kuyt and bellamy. i think he will b surprised to fine out that he wud win MORE games if Crouch was in the squad. kuyt would b a gr8 partner

10-04-2006, 10:54 AM	#17 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	i think crouch deserves to play for both club and country more as he is on great form if he doesnt get the games he needs his confidence will go which is bad. He can score as he has done in the last few games and will get his chances when england plays macedonia MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!

10-04-2006, 03:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
goldenHuddlestone Admin Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,647 vCash: 480	I hate crouch bashing lol

10-04-2006, 06:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	u h8 him y? MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!

10-05-2006, 08:40 AM	#20 (permalink)
Worksop_Owl Veteran Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Urmumsville Posts: 307 vCash: 472	how can u h8 crouchy??? he is a goal machine, 11 goals in 12 games (isnt it?) for england and even mclaren sex he wud b stupid to drop him.

10-05-2006, 11:21 AM	#22 (permalink)
Worksop_Owl Veteran Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Urmumsville Posts: 307 vCash: 472	wot do u mean he doesnt look like a footballer?? jus cos he hasnt got massive muscles doesnt mean he isnt a player. ronneys fat does he not luk like a footballer?? "never judge a book by its cover" m8

10-05-2006, 05:19 PM	#23 (permalink)
theo kawala Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: england peterborough Posts: 3,138 vCash: 500	roooney aint that fat its 11 goals in 14 matches by the way it is a very good record as well by crouchy and there should be no reason why any1 should hate him he is a good player with a good record if u think about it so what hif he doesnt look like a footy player as Aeon_owl just said dont judge a book by its cover MR VA VA VOOM HES THE BEST!! HES GONNA SCORE A THOUSAND GOALS WHEN HE STARTS EVERY GAME!!!