10 March 2007
VIDEO: Phil Neville pre-Israel
Phil Neville talks about Andy Johnson's goalscoring ability before pondering the trip to Israel.
Israel v England
European Championship 2008 Qualifier, Group E
6.30pm, Saturday 24 March 2007
Ramat Gan Stadium, Tel Aviv
Current group standings - click here
Archive: England's record with Israel - click here

Phil Neville has lauded Everton team-mate Andrew Johnson ahead of England's trip to Israel, labelling him the most natural goalscorer in the squad.

The experienced full-back has seen Johnson's development first-hand, both with the Toffees and on the international stage, and Neville believes the 26 year old is ready to make his mark in Tel Aviv, should he get the nod.

"Saturday will be no problem for AJ," said Neville, who is poised to win his 56th cap. "He is in great form. He showed that again on Sunday against Arsenal. If anyone is going into the game full of confidence, it is Andy Johnson."

"When he was at Crystal Palace, everyone thought he was a good goalscorer. I think he has surprised everyone with the level he has played at for Everton this
season."

In the week when Steve McClaren has urged his players to step forward, Neville insists Johnson has stepped up his performances since moving to Goodison Park from Crystal Palace.

"He has stepped up a level, he has gone to a bigger club and has taken everything on board and answered every question that has been put his way in terms of his performances," he said.

Neville even went as far as to say that his Everton colleague is the best goalscorer in the current squad - high praise considering Wayne Rooney's recent displays.

"In terms of being an out and out goalscorer, he is the best one in the squad at the moment. He is the most confident and, as he showed against Arsenal, he doesn't need a second chance to stick a goal away.

"In an atmosphere like we can expect on Saturday, you need goalscorers on the pitch and he is our best one at the moment. He is the best one in English
football at the moment."