Pantsil backs AJ for England

Fulham defender tips team-mate for call-up

Last updated: 12th November 2008

John Pantsil Fulham 2008

Pantsil: Praise for Johnson

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John Pantsil believes Fulham team-mate Andy Johnson is playing well enough to be considered for England.

Johnson has scored three goals in his last three games and Roy Hodgson suggested after Sunday's victory over Newcastle that Fabio Capello might want to keep an eye on the striker.

Capello is currently mulling over his options ahead of next Wednesday's friendly against Germany and Pantsil feels Johnson could force his way in.

"He can play for England," Pantsil, who joined Fulham from West Ham over the summer, told Sky Sports News.

"He is working hard in training and in the matches so I wouldn't be surprised if he got a call to the national team."

Fulham's win over Newcastle catapulted them out of the bottom three and into the top half of the table, and Pantsil is desperate to avoid a relegation fight.

"We weren't happy to be in the bottom three because we knew we belonged in the top ten," said Pantsil.

"We don't want to find ourselves there (near the bottom). We are going to keep our heads together and work hard so we can achieve it."

Pantsil is confident that Fulham can pick up another victory against a resurgent Tottenham side this weekend.

He said: "We fight together, we work together and play for our colleagues, so we believe we can take the maximum three points."