Steve McClaren has hailed Aaron Lennon as England's very own Cristiano
Ronaldo, as he prepares to field the Tottenham winger in Saturday's game
against Israel.
Lennon is expected to deputise for Joe Cole on the left
side of England's midfield when they travel to Tel Aviv for a crucial
Euro 2008 qualifier.
Stewart Downing and Kieron Dyer are also in McClaren's squad, but the
England boss believes Lennon's pace and ability mark him out as a player
in the same class as Manchester United star Ronaldo.
The Spurs youngster is normally deployed on the right wing at club level,
but McClaren will have no hesitation in asking Lennon to perform on the
left as England look to rejuvenate their flagging qualifying campaign.
"He's been unfortunate with injuries and illness this season but
you can see in big games when the pressure and the spotlight's on him
that he still wants the ball, still performs, still excites and wants
to create something," said McClaren.
"The boy's got fantastic potential and he's also one who is flexible.
He can play right, left or central and he's got the intelligence to do
all three roles really well.
"More than that he's got the character and determination to play
for England and be a very, very good player.
"He gives us the balance we need. I've seen him on the left and he
still goes outside the full-back rather than always cutting inside onto
his right.
"We haven't had his kind of pace or that kind of player for a long
time - the Cristiano Ronaldo type who can take the ball the length of
the pitch."
Everton striker Andy Johnson will also be offered the chance to impress
as he is expected to make his first competitive start for England after
missing out on the World Cup finals.
The Goodison star has scored 11 goals this season and McClaren believes
his predatory instincts are a rare quality.
"I am not going to go over what has happened in the past with Andy
Johnson, but we are looking for someone to play alongside [Wayne] Rooney
and he could be the answer," McClaren added.
"Next to Michael Owen, Andy is the most natural goalscorer we have
got - his record proves that.
"I certainly think he is capable of handling the game in Israel."
