England joy for Johnson

England calling: Glen Johnson

14 April 2012

Glen Johnson was today called into the England squad and hailed as a "stylish player and a big talent" by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Johnson, brought in for Sunday's friendly with Denmark at Old Trafford, has been rewarded for his outstanding form for Chelsea by being chosen in a senior England squad for the first time.

Johnson, who had played only 14 Premiership matches for West Ham before his £6 million move to Stamford Bridge during the summer, was included along with Charlton's Scott Parker.

Eriksson said: "Glen Johnson is a big talent. It's really nice to see him play football. He has style and even if he makes mistakes, like the sendingoff against Lazio, he will learn from them."

Lambeth-born midfielder Parker, who shot to national prominence as a 13-year-old schoolboy ball-juggling in a MacDonalds TV advert, had been included in the England squad for last season's friendly against Australia but was an unused substitute. Parker's performances for Charlton so far this season have been outstanding, however, and he looks certain to play some part against the Danes - if he recovers from a groin strain.

Eriksson said: "Like Johnson, Parker deserves it. I have seen them a lot recently and they are playing better and better. It is a friendly but I think they are two who look as if they could be ready for 2004 maybe."

The other main areas of interest in Eriksson's squad, announced in Portugal today as the England coach ran the rule over the hotel the squad will use next summer, was the omission of Southampton's James Beattie.

The big striker has won four caps and last started an England match in the home European Championship qualifying tie against Liechtenstein.

Arsenal's Sol Campbell was also not considered because of a slight injury. With Rio Ferdinand awaiting a formal hearing on his misconduct charge following a missed drugs test and Jonathan Woodgate also injured, Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate returns.

Southgate has not featured in any of Eriksson's squads this season and recently criticised the Swede's leadership style.

The Villa defender claimed Eriksson "makes sense, but does not inspire" in a book published in October.

Eriksson, however, insists he has no axe to grind with the experienced centrehalf and is happy to have him back in the squad.

Eriksson said: "I have no problems to do with that. I haven't read what he said, but everyone has his opinion about things.

"We live in a democratic country and have to accept that. I am what am and at my age I cannot change that.

"There are three central defenders out, Ferdinand, Campbell and Woodgate and I thought it was fair to give Southgate a chance again.

"I have seen him many times this season and I pick the squad I think is best for the moment."

Eriksson was also happy to call up Chelsea's Joe Cole.

He said: "Cole is playing very good football at this moment. Exactly how he is going to play in midfield I am not sure yet. He is a lot more mature, passes better, is stronger, quicker and has a lot more experience. He is becoming better and better."

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England joy for Johnson

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