Johnson eyes more glory as he chases 50th Wales cap

Brennan Johnson made his Wales debut in 2020 at the age of 19. The 25-year-old Everton forward is set to earn his 50th cap against Norway in the Nations League on Saturday. That appearance will make him the third‑youngest Welshman to reach the landmark, after Ethan Ampadu and Chris Gunter.

Aiming for more major tournaments

Johnson says he is happy with what he has achieved but wants to reach more major tournaments with Wales. He has one major tournament under his belt – the 2022 World Cup – after missing out on Euro 2020 selection. Wales failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, yet they are keen to reach Euro 2028 with Cardiff among the eight host cities.

Reflections and future ambition

“Even when I think about having a Euros here now, it is special,” Johnson said, adding that the squad is good and motivates them to work hard. He recalled the confidence inspired by Wales’ run to the Euro 2016 semi‑finals, saying past success shows what is possible. Johnson believes Craig Bellamy’s current Wales squad can draw inspiration from those previous achievements.

Nottingham‑born Johnson played for England at age‑grade level before switching allegiance to Wales in 2018, a decision he has never regretted. He said arriving in Wales gave him an immediate good feeling and that each cap, including the approaching 50th, “sneaks up on you”. Johnson described playing at the World Cup as the highlight of his career, despite the tournament not going as hoped, and recalled his debut and first goal as big moments.

He began his domestic career with Nottingham Forest, whose promotion to the Premier League in 2022 and survival the following season were powered by his goals. A £47.5 million move to Tottenham made him the second‑most expensive Welsh signing after Gareth Bale. Johnson scored the winning goal in Tottenham’s Europa League final against Manchester United, ending the club’s 17‑year trophy drought. After a brief spell at Crystal Palace, he joined Everton in the summer and has scored only once this season, in the Carabao Cup.

Johnson insists the best is yet to come, saying there is definitely more to come and he is excited for the next years. He added he is really happy with what he has achieved in football but wants to achieve more, especially with Wales.