Johnson: Get behind England

Andrew Johnson has defended his England colleagues on the day he was named the Barclays Premiership Player of the Month.

The Everton striker, who missed the England matches against FYR Macedonia and Croatia with a hamstring injury, revealed how disappointed he was to be unable to help the cause for Steve McClaren’s men, who claimed just one point from the two games.

He said: “I was gutted to miss out on England. I won’t comment on what went on over the last two matches because I wasn’t there.

“Of course I was disappointed I was injured, I felt I was just getting into a position where I could challenge for a place in the squad.”

Johnson, 25, told BBC Radio Five Live: “I was upset for the lads after the results, but people must understand that England are not invincible, they will not win every match.

“But if people get behind us rather than slagging us off, things will be better.”

Johnson is fighting to be fit to face Middlesbrough tomorrow, and said: “I hope I will be okay for Everton this weekend, I certainly feel that it’s all right now and want to give it a go.

“It has been a great start for me at Everton, the boys have been fantastic and have created so many chances for me, and I want to dedicate the award to them and the manager David Moyes for all the support I have had.”