Arsene Wenger has backed Everton's
Andrew Johnson to lead the line for England and revealed he was
once tempted to take a punt on the then Crystal Palace
frontman.
Johnson is expected to start for England alongside Wayne Rooney in
the Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel and Wenger, whose Arsenal
team face Johnson and Everton on Sunday, is a huge admirer of the
11-goal marksman.
"Andy Johnson is a player who can help England," said the Gunners
boss. "He is a good player, with the timing of his runs, the
quality of his runs, his team ethic is fantastic and he never gives
up.
"He can be one of the players who can compliment Rooney because
Rooney is more of a second striker who can make the runs and you
need another striker who can stretch the defence.
"If you look at England players who can stretch the defence, Andy
Johnson is one of them as well as Michael Owen."
Wenger considered signing Johnson before the Frenchman feels he was
priced out of a move.
"I did consider him at one stage when he was at Crystal Palace, but
the price stopped it happening," revealed the Arsenal boss.
"Some players make it a bit later, just look at Ian Wright. Johnson
did very well in the Premier League as well and gave us
problems.
"There was a big fight for Johnson and you know then that it is
never below £12million or £13million.
"When you are buying a second striker that is a lot, whereas I can
completely understand Everton paying what they did because he is
their main striker."