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ISRAEL v ENGLAND - JOHNSON RELISHING CHALLENGE
Andy Johnson admits he is facing the biggest game of his career when he leads England's attack in the vital Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel this evening.
And the Everton striker is confident he can gel alongside Wayne Rooney in what will be his first competitive start for his country.
Johnson is brimming with confidence after scoring the winner against Arsenal last weekend and Steve McClaren needs him to be on song as England chase the win needed to get their qualification campaign back on track.
The £8million signing from Crystal Palace said: "At this stage in my career, I don't think it gets any bigger than this.
"If I am chosen it would be my first start in a qualifier. I've obviously started in friendlies but they are nowhere near as important as this game on Saturday evening.
"Part of my game is being quick and sharp, and playing off someone like Wayne. I'm confident that whoever gets the nod with Wayne can produce for the country.
"To score last weekend (against Arsenal) and win going into an England camp was the best thing for me."
Johnson admits he has taken confidence from praise given to him by McClaren and feels more part of the England plans than under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
He added: "Steve is a top manager and to hear those comments means a lot to me because it feels like I'm more part of the England set-up that maybe I was 18 months ago.
"It felt good coming into the camp with those comments behind me. I've been involved in the last seven or eight squads whereas before it was a little bit in and out and I was in the Championship for a season as well.
"I was never too sure if I was going to get called up so it's nice to have been involved so much recently."
Many of England's players had to contend with playing two games in three games before meeting up on Tuesday but Johnson feels fresh and has been preparing for the Israel game from the minute he joined the squad.
He said: "I think you've got to prepare from days ago. You've always got to have it in your head. If then you don't start, you were prepared anyway.
"But if you do start, then you've been preparing for a few days and you are ready. You've got to be focused.
"I feel good. With Everton, before last weekend, we had a couple of weeks without a game and the gaffer took us away so I feel recuperated and rested."
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