Former Premier League marksman Andy Johnson made eight England appearances but his international career could have turned out very differently back in 2005 with him eligible to play for Poland and even change his name
Former Everton marksman Andy Johnson had the chance to represent Poland on the international stage before playing for England.
Johnson, who turned 44 on Monday, finished as runner-up for the Premier League Golden Boot during the 2004/05 season after scoring 21 goals, and was only behind Thierry Henry.
His form saw fans desperate to see the striker called up by then-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of the 2006 World Cup.
The in-form striker was eventually called up by England in February 2005 after he admitted he’d accept a call from the Polish FA if England didn’t come knocking, with him eligible to represent the Eastern European side through his grandfather.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes Fanzone, Johnson revealed how close he was to playing for Poland: “I had contact with the Polish FA at the time, and there was a real chance I could’ve gone and played for them!
“I did explore that option of playing for them. But the call came from England, and when you weigh the two up, at the time, for me, there was no decision for me, really.”
Johnson made his international debut against the Netherlands in 2005, and he went on to make eight appearances for the Three Lions.
However, looking back on his decision to play for England, Johnson adds: “I look back now in hindsight and think I could’ve played for Poland, gone to two World Cups, two European Championships and played alongside Lewandowski… he could’ve been the perfect person to play off!”
Johnson joked he could have changed his to his mum’s maiden name, Waldowski, but that never happened. “My Polish isn’t great, I’ll be honest – and even though my mother’s maiden name was Waldowski, I’d have still kept Johnson on the back of my shirt for Poland, for sure!”