Johnson out of England squad

Everton striker Andrew Johnson has pulled out of the England squad for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Macedonia and Croatia.

The 25-year-old has made a stunning start to the season with Everton and was the subject of glowing praise from England head coach Steve McClaren yesterday.

However a hamstring injury, which Johnson sustained in the last minute of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Barclays Premiership, will keep him sidelined for the England games.

Darren Bent has been promoted to the senior squad to cover for the loss of Johnson, after the Charlton striker was initially named in the England U21 squad.

England play Macedonia on Saturday, and Croatia on October 11, in Group E.