Lee Carsley believes Ben Johnson can offer England U21s a ‘real bonus’ as the West Ham United talent has made an instant impression in his first call-up, via the Evening Standard.
Johnson is set to make his international debut at any age level when the Young Lions face Andorra on Friday. The defender had never featured in an England squad before Carsley included him in the U21s squad for Euro 2023 U21 Championship qualifiers this month.
But as England are blessed with young talents at right-back, Johnson is likely to make his debut at centre-half. Southampton gem Tino Livramento and Djed Spence are battling for the wide role, while Tariq Lamptey of Brighton & Hove Albion withdrew through illness.
Carsley is confident Johnson can offer England U21s an option in the centre of his defence as the West Ham product has left an instant impression on the Young Lions coaching staff. He also appreciates how the 22-year-old can play on the left, having shone in east London.
“It is really important that you’ve got players in the squad who can play in two or three positions, and Ben can do that,” Carsley said. “He’s got all the attributes of a full-back with his athleticism, but he’s also got the stature of a centre-back.
“He’s tall and aggressive. The fact he can play left side is a bonus. He’s been really impressive on and off the pitch, all the staff have taken a shine to him and you can see why David Moyes and West Ham are so keen on him.”
Carsley hails West Ham ace Johnson as ‘real bonus’ for England U21s
Carsley adds that he feels Johnson’s versatility ‘definitely’ puts the West Ham talent higher in the England U21s pecking order. Noting: “He can play at centre-back quite comfortably, or in a three as one of the outside centre-backs. I see his flexibility as a real bonus.”
Johnson has rarely shown his central defensive skills for West Ham that Carsley will hope he displays with England U21s. Of his 50 first-team appearances so far, Johnson has only featured as a centre-back once. He was also the right-hand option in a three-man core.
Moyes used Johnson centrally with Craig Dawson and Issa Diop in the Irons’ Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. He produced a solid display in the December tie, on what was his return from a low-grade hamstring strain he suffered against Chelsea.
Apart from the EFL Cup clash, Moyes has afforded Johnson 14 of his 26 appearances so far this term at right-back. Six have also come at left-back after the London-born star stepped in to replace Aaron Cresswell earlier in the campaign following his back injury problems.
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