Johnson op is blow for England

Everton striker Andy Johnson looks set to miss England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia after the club confirmed he will undergo ankle surgery at the end of the season.

Johnson is currently playing through the pain of an injury to his right ankle but it is his left ankle that needs an operation, and which also looks set to keep him out of the high-profile friendly with Brazil on June 1, England's first match at the new Wembley. Steve McClaren's men travel to Estonia to play their next qualifier five days later.

Everton head physiotherapist Mick Rathbone told the club's official website, www.evertonfc.com: "After injuring his right ankle, we were hopeful that the subsequent period of rest would help his left ankle. However, that has not been the case and the player will have an operation as soon after the final match of the season as possible."

He added: "Andy has had the problem for a number of months now and it is getting no better."