Walcott withdraws as AJ cut for Everton move
THEO WALCOTT has pulled out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Italy with a bruised thigh, possibly handing Manchester City winger Adam Johnson a chance to impress.
Johnson remains behind Ashley Young and James Milner in the England pecking order but with rumours of a bust-up between Johnson and City manager Roberto Mancini before their Community Shield victory against Chelsea on Sunday, England's friendly may offer Johnson a chance to make an impact.
Reports have emerged that Everton have been given first refusal on a loan deal for Johnson after City signed Jack Rodwell this week and BetVictor have slashed their odds from 20-1 to 2-1 that the Toffees will be Johnson's club after the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are also interested and are 6-4 favourites with BetVictor but not with other bookmakers who believe Everton are in pole position to do a deal this summer.
