Neville backing young gun Johnson to shine for England

England defender Phil Neville, seen here addressing the press in Manchester, admitted former coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had been let down by his players.

Phil Neville is backing Andy Johnson to shine if his Everton teammate gets the nod and plays in Steve McClaren's first competitive game in charge of England.

With Wayne Rooney suspended and Michael Owen injured, Johnson is in the running to face European whipping boys Andorra when England launch their European Championship qualifying campaign at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Neville is one of the most experienced members of the squad having represented his country 52 times, while 25-year-old Johnson is one of the least experienced. But former Manchester United defender Neville is confident Johnson can produce the goods for his country - if selected.

Johnson has become an instant hit with Everton supporters after scoring twice in his first three Premiership games since completing an 8.5million pounds move from Crystal Palace in the summer.

"Andy has been superb," said Neville. "He really has impressed me. There is much more to his game than just scoring. He has lightning quick pace and has probably been our best player so far at Everton this season."

Neville is delighted to have been invited back into the England fold by McClaren after he was overlooked by Sven-Goran Eriksson at this summer's World Cup.

"I should have gone to the World Cup," added Neville. "But that disappointment made me even more determined to get back in the set up.

Phil Neville is backing Andy Johnson, seen here in May 2006, to shine if his Everton teammate gets the nod and plays in Steve McClaren's first competitive game in charge of England.

"I watched the Portugal game and I was as disappointed as any England fan.

"But I'm not going to slag off Sven-Goran Eriksson for not using me. I earned three-quarters of my caps under Sven and I won't have a bad word said about him."

Despite winning more than half a century of senior caps, Neville has yet to represent his country at a World Cup. But he is determined to feature at his fourth European Championship finals. England are favourites to qualify in a group which also includes Macedonia, Estonia, Israel, Croatia and Russia.

"I haven't given up on playing at a World Cup," said Neville. "I'm only 29 and still feel I have a bit of time of my side.

"There is a lot of optimism in the camp. Everything seems to be going in the right direction as the 4-0 win in the friendly against Greece earlier this month suggests.

"Steve McClaren's main quality is that he has very good communication skills. He is always asking for feedback off the players whether it's on or off the training pitch."