IT WOULD be easy to assume that it doesn’t get better than lining up for England, but one former pro would trade it all to play alongside Robert Lewandowski.
Andy Johnson earned himself eight England caps, but would go back in time to switch his allegiance to Poland if he could.
Times Newspapers LtdAndy Johnson could have played for Poland[/caption]
GettyHe earned eight caps for England instead[/caption]
GettyJohnson wishes he could’ve played alongside Robert Lewandowski[/caption]
The 42-year-old was born in Bedford, but has Polish links in his family meaning he could’ve represented the Eagles instead of the Three Lions.
Johnson exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “My mum’s dad is Polish, so there were links there. I had contact with the Polish FA at the time, and there was a real chance I could’ve gone and played 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.”
The former Everton and Fulham star never managed to register a goal for England in his eight caps, but thinks things could’ve been much different if he was playing off Robert Lewandowski for Poland.
“If I wouldn’t have been called up by England, I look back now in hindsight and think I could’ve played for Poland,” He explained.
“Gone to two World Cups, two European Championships and played alongside Lewandowski… he could’ve been the perfect person to play off.”
And despite representing his home nation, Johnson would trade it all for the dream of having a lengthy career with the Poles.
He said: “Would I trade my career with England for a chance with Poland, if I could go back and change things? Potentially.
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“Every individual has aspirations and goals in football; people want to be playing in major tournaments, on the biggest stages.
“So would I trade my eight appearances for England – which weren’t always full appearances – for two or three major tournaments, maybe sat on 10 international goals in major tournaments, playing alongside Robert Lewandowski? Yeah, I think I would.”
GettyLewandowski is Poland’s all-time top goal scorer with 81 goals in 144 appearances[/caption]
GettyJohnson had an impressive club career scoring 143 goals in 458 appearances[/caption]