Brennan Johnson: Aiming Higher After 50 Caps with Wales
Brennan Johnson is on the brink of a significant milestone as he prepares to earn his 50th cap for Wales against Norway this Saturday. At just 25, the Everton forward is excited about what he’s accomplished but is eager to experience more major tournaments with his national team.
Debuting for Wales at only 19 back in 2020, Johnson is now among the youngest Welsh players to hit the 50-mark, joining the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Chris Gunter. Having participated in the 2022 World Cup, he missed out on Euro 2020 but is motivated to make a mark in upcoming competitions.
Wales is eyeing a spot in Euro 2028, especially with Cardiff named as one of the host cities. Johnson feels the excitement, saying, "Even when I think about having a Euros here now, it is special. We’ve got a good squad with many players performing well, and that drives us to work hard and show what we can do."
Before committing to the Welsh side in 2018, the Nottingham-born forward represented England at youth levels. Reflecting on his switch, Johnson admits it was a decision he has cherished. "I got a good feeling as soon as I came to Wales and never looked back. You appreciate every cap; reaching 50 kind of creeps up on you."
For Johnson, playing at the World Cup was a dream come true, even if the tournament didn’t unfold as hoped. He recalls, "Qualifying the way we did in the play-offs was special, along with my debut and first goal—these moments are what I’ll always remember."
As he gears up for the match against Norway, Johnson is optimistic about the future. He believes the current squad can draw inspiration from past successes, like the 2016 Euro semi-finalists. "There’s a real confidence that comes from those who paved the way before us. We want to elevate our game and carry that legacy forward."
Starting his career at Nottingham Forest, Johnson played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2022. His transfer to Tottenham for £47.5 million made him the second most expensive Welsh player ever, right after Gareth Bale. He even scored the winning goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United, ending a long trophy drought for the club.
After a brief stint at Crystal Palace, he joined Everton this summer and is looking to find his form, having scored only once this season in the Carabao Cup. Yet, Johnson remains optimistic, stating, "There’s definitely more to come, and I’m excited for the next few years. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved but want to accomplish even more with Wales."
