Brennan Johnson Wants More Wales Tournaments at 50 Caps
Brennan Johnson is set to win his 50th Wales cap on Saturday. The Everton forward says he is happy with what he has done, but wants to play in more major tournaments.
The milestone
The 25-year-old is set to reach 50 caps against Norway in the Nations League. Kick-off is at 17:00 GMT on Saturday, 14 November. When he does, he will become the third-youngest Welshman to hit the mark, after Ethan Ampadu and Chris Gunter.
Johnson says the number crept up on him. “You appreciate every cap for what it is, [50] kind of sneaks up on you a little bit,” he said.
He was born in Nottingham and played for England at age-grade level. He switched to Wales in 2018. He says he has never regretted it.
What he looks back on
Johnson has one major tournament so far, the 2022 World Cup. He missed out on selection for Euro 2020. Wales did not reach this summer's World Cup, but he still calls playing at the 2022 finals the highlight. He says it did not go how the team wanted it to, but he dreamed of it from a young age.
He also calls qualifying through the play-offs special, along with his debut and his first goal for his country.
Euro 2028 and the next group
Wales have a big incentive to qualify for Euro 2028, because Cardiff is one of eight host cities. “Even when I think about having a Euros here now, it is special,” Johnson said.
He also pointed to the current squad itself. In his words, there are plenty of players performing at a good level, everyone knows the tournament is coming, and that spurs them to work hard.
He believes Craig Bellamy's current squad can draw on past success. He recalled the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016. He says it gives players confidence that it is possible, though he admits it is hard to replicate those players.
Club form
Johnson started his senior career with Nottingham Forest, and his goals helped take them into the Premier League in 2022. He scored again to help keep them there the following year. A £47.5m move to Tottenham followed. It made him the second-most expensive Welsh signing after Gareth Bale. His Europa League final winner against Manchester United ended the club's 17-year trophy drought.
Everton are his latest club, after a short stay at Crystal Palace. His only goal of the season so far came in the Carabao Cup.
Even so, Johnson thinks the best is still to come. He says he is excited about the years ahead and, happy with what he has achieved, wants to win more, especially with Wales.
Source: BBC Sport