Injury blow denies Johnson England chance
Andrew Johnson forced out with hamstring injury
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Monday, 02, Oct 2006 05:23
Andrew Johnson has been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the two forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers after sustaining a hamstring injury during the last minute of Everton's Premiership draw with Manchester City on Saturday.
Charlton's Darren Bent has been called up to replace him but the news comes as a major disappointment for the prolific Toffees striker and for England coach Steve McClaren.
Johnson, the Premiership's top scorer this season with six goals, was rumoured to be pushing for a starting place against Macedonia at Old Trafford this Saturday but McClaren will now be without him for that game and for the trip to Croatia next week.
"It's a real blow because he's made a massive impact already with Everton this season and I've been hugely impressed by him," McClaren admitted.
"He's got such a great attitude and is a constant threat to any defence. He was certainly knocking very hard on the door for a place in the team, so it's a disappointment to lose him."
Commenting on Bent's chance, the England boss added: "I've spoken to Peter Taylor and I can confirm that Darren Bent will now join the senior squad when we meet tomorrow.
"We're fortunate that we are able to call Darren up from the under-21s. He's already got experience of been involved in several senior squads and he's a player with excellent ability and a real goal threat."
Bent is expected to be fourth choice striker for the two games with Wayne Rooney predicted to start alongside Peter Crouch with Jermain Defoe starting on the bench.