SoccerBible Debate - Adam Johnson for England's World Cup squad? - 10/02/10
Adam Johnson has already announced that he is targeting a place in the England squad, and after a man-of-the-match performance on his Manchester City home debut, our issue to debate this week is - should Johnson be in England's World Cup squad?
Against Bolton, Johnson put in a match-winning performance with swift movement, nimble feet and great skill throughout, and was also responsible for his team winning a penalty. A rarity in English football, Adam Johnson is a good left-footed player who can play on either wing, attack opponents, dribble the ball, is skillful and can put in a good cross.
Over the past few seasons England have tried various players, including Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing on the left-side, but in Johnson could England have a natural left winger?
Of course, one performance doesn't mean Johnson will be able to make the step up to international football, and he's still a young player who has yet to play and experience life with the senior squad. Then there's still the question of whether Capello would really take the bold step of replacing David Beckham, Joe Cole, Ashley Young or Theo Walcott for Johnson?
One thing is for sure though, if Johnson can continue putting in performances of the calibre he showed against Bolton, he will be one of the most talked about and discussed players over the coming months...
ADAM JOHNSON (Manchester City player) - "If there's a couple of injuries, who knows? If I can play well, I'm sure the England manager watches Manchester City games most weeks... Ambition is the key word for me. It's an ambitious club and I've a good chance of winning things and making myself a better player here."
PAUL FLETCHER (BBC Sport) - "Johnson, only 20-years-old but perhaps the most impressive player on the pitch...a menace throughout, not just with his crossing ability but also his willingness to cut inside and run at the opposition."
ROBERTO MANCINI (Manchester City manager) - "He is a young player who wants to do well. He can play on both the left and the right and he can also play behind the main striker. He can continue to grow and I think he can be a very important player."
FABIO CAPELLO (England manager) - "Players like Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere, Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson have been improving. I like Johnson because he has a lot of quality, I hope Johnson will be able to continue his development at Manchester City by playing...Sometimes it is good for young players to play in the Championship all the time rather than in the Premier League only now and then."
IAN WINROW (Fanhouse UK) - "There is less margin for error for any player performing under the scrutiny that only the biggest clubs attract and where eager colleagues are ready to step in if somebody's form dips. And while Johnson impressed in a struggling team at the Riverside Stadium, he must now shine alongside players of an altogether higher calibre."
