Everton skipper Neville: AJ is England’s best striker

He said: “Saturday will be no problem for AJ. He is in great form. He showed that again on Sunday against Arsenal. If anyone is going into the game full of confidence, it is Andy Johnson.

“When he was at Crystal Palace, everyone thought he was a good goalscorer. I think he has surprised everyone with the level he has played at for Everton this season.

“He has stepped up a level, he has gone to a bigger club and has taken everything on board and answered every question that has been put his way in terms of his performances.

“In terms of being an out and out goalscorers, he is the best one in the squad at the moment. He is the most confident and, as he showed against Arsenal, he doesn’t need a second chance to stick a goal away.

“In an atmosphere like we can expect on Saturday, you need goalscorers on the pitch and he is our best one at the moment. He is the best one in English football at the moment.”