JOHNSON CAN REPLACE ROO - NEVILLE

Everton midfielder Phil Neville has backed Andrew Johnson to fill the gap in England's attack, following Wayne Rooney's foot injury.

England coach Steve McClaren is considering his options after losing Rooney for next week's friendly against Germany and the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month.

With Michael Owen returning from injury and Peter Crouch suspended for the Israel game, next Wednesday's clash against Germany gives McClaren the chance to look at Johnson after the striker's impressive start to the Barclays Premier League season.

McClaren was in the stands at White Hart Lane to watch a tireless performance from Johnson during Everton's 3-1 win over Tottenham on Tuesday night, with Johnson stretching the home defence despite failing to get on the scoresheet.

"AJ never let them rest for one minute, and that's what he's all about," said Neville.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of talk about him playing for England next week now.

"I'm sure he would have played in the summer if he hadn't been injured.

"He has carried on from where he left off last season - he terrifies defenders. He's not just a goalscorer; his workrate is an example to every young striker in the game. He typified our spirit and work ethic. It starts from the front - and he's up there with the best."

Other strikers on the fringe of the England reckoning such as Jermain Defoe, Dean Ashton and Darren Bent have been desperate to get off to a goalscoring start to put themselves in the frame. But Johnson outshone Spurs pair Bent and Defoe yesterday.

The 26-year-old has not scored in Everton's consecutive wins this season, but Neville believes there is more to the striker's game since he came back from ankle surgery in the summer.

"I think he has come back and improved on his link-up play, his touch, awareness and passing," said Neville.

"He has gone up a notch or two and he has brought the confidence from last season into this. All that's missing is a goal - and I'm sure that will come.

"There were a few England strikers on show, but he really stood out. There are some good England strikers about, and I don't think we should be worried.

"We have a friendly against Germany - and it's the perfect time for Bent, Johnson and Defoe to be tested."

Injuries and getting played in an unfamiliar wide role under Sven-Goran Eriksson have not helped Johnson's international career, but he is currently leading the attack for a confident Everton outfit.

Johnson's running at White Hart Lane was typical of David Moyes' side.

"There's more to come from us and that's the level we have to play all season if we want to finish fifth or even fourth," said Neville.

"We must make sure we don't fall below the standards we have set. People talk about Spurs being in the top four, but there's no reason why we can't get there."

Everton broke into the Champions League places three seasons ago but did so by earning a reputation for squeezing out narrow results.

Neville joined just after they finished fourth, in 2005, and he feels they have developed into an all-round team - with Mikel Arteta providing the flair from midfield.

"Over the last couple of seasons we have changed people's opinions of us," said the former Manchester United player.

"We've gone from being a really direct team to having a bit more quality about us.

"The manager is signing quality young players, and we have a bit of speed in our play."

Taken from =football365=