Glen Johnson (born August 23, 1984) is an English footballer who plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League. He wears the number 2 shirt and is a defender in the right back position though can also play at centre-back or even in midfield.
Johnson was bought by Claudio Ranieri from West Ham United for £6 million, he had previously had a loan spell at Millwall. He was the first purchase of the Abramovich era at Chelsea. He is a very attacking full back and scored his debut goal for Chelsea in the 5-0 romp of Newcastle United in November 2003. He scored 4 goals that season as he enjoyed more game time under Ranieri.
Despite not establishing himself as a first-choice team member just yet, he is rated very highly and is seen as a good technical player and defender.
Still a regular with England Under-21s, Johnson was handed his full England debut in November 2003 against Denmark, coming on as a substitute for the injured Gary Neville after 16 minutes.
As season 2005-06 unfolds Johnson is still only a squad player at Chelsea with Paulo Ferreira being the regular at right-back and the versatile William Gallas also able to play in that position. Following a poor performance in England's friendly in Denmark in August 2005 he appears to have lost his position as Gary Neville's understudy in the squad to Luke Young who played in both the subsequent World Cup qualifiers. However, England manager Sven Goran Eriksson still regards Johnson as the best up-and-coming right back in England. Johnson has made one appearance in the Premier League for Chelsea this season, starting the 4-0 win against West Bromwich Albion in place of Ferreira. Versatile squad player Geremi is providing extra competition for Johnson at right-back under José Mourinho.
