Why Adam Johnson has to be in Capello's World Cup squad

By David Anderson

Published 08:32 17/02/10

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Before each World Cup, there is usually one player who comes from nowhere to gatecrash England's squad and make an impact at the finals.

There was Geoff Hurst in 1966, Peter Beardsley in 1986 and David Platt in 1990.

This year it could be Manchester City's uncapped wing wonder Adam Johnson.

Scientific research has identified Johnson as the most likely candidate to make a late run for the England plane to South Africa.

When I say scientific research, what I really mean is that I've flicked through the back of my Rothmans - that's the SkySports Football Yearbook for you, young uns - and discovered that Johnson is the third most popular surname of all the players who have ever represented England.

According to my half-baked theory, this means the surname Johnson must have some mystical power associated with it, in the same way that Churchill has in the world of politics and home insurance.

By this rationale, it's no coincidence that England's first-choice right-back is Glen Johnson.

The magic could even elevate Birmingham's impressive centre-back Roger Johnson to international level and he, too, seems blessed.

Fabio Capello would do well to study my considered findings and reflect them in choosing his squad for South Africa.

Smith is the most popular surname - they have been 20 of them to play for England - followed by Brown with nine and then Johnson on eight.

There have been seven Roberts and six Allens and Taylors.

Basically, what Capello needs to do is pick as many players with these surnames for his squad as he can.

Wes Brown is an obvious one and the Manchester United defender can play centre-back or right-back.

There's also Matty Taylor at Bolton and Manchester City's on-loan goalkeeper Stuart Taylor, not forgetting Alan Smith at Newcastle.

If he includes enough of them in his squad, he can harness this primeval power, which is as old as time itself, for the benefit of England in South Africa.

Of course, there are pitfalls and he must be careful not to include anyone with a surname which associated with bad karma.

Bastard is an obvious one and believe it not, some chap by the name of S R Bastard (fortunately his initials weren't U R A) won his one and only England cap in 1880.

There have been a few more down the years, which have not worked for England, such as Astle, Bonetti, Bowyer and Ricketts.

Not forgetting the worst one in recent times - McClaren.  

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