Johnson proves his key attribute

Ben Johnson has proved that he has immense versatility during this international break.

The Hammers youngster earned his first call-up to England’s U21 side and played in the game against Albania this week.

There were initially suggestions that he would play at centre-back against Andorra but he was left on the bench as the Young Lions won 4-1.

Against Albania, though, Johnson played the full 90 minutes at left-back.

The young Hammer has come through the ranks at the London Stadium and has proved himself a remarkably capable defender, able to play on either flank with ease and continue bombing up and down the flank.

Clearly Lee Carsley, the England U21 boss, believes that Johnson adds some real tactical flexibility to the squad, as he can play anywhere across the back four.

Against Albania, England won 3-0 and remain on track to qualify for the 2023 Under-21 European Championships.

Johnson has a key role to play.