John Pantsil has backed Fulham pal Andy Johnson for an England return.

"He can play for England," Pantsil, who joined Fulham from West Ham over the summer, told Sky Sports News.

"He is working hard in training and in the matches so I wouldn't be surprised if he got a call to the national team."

Fulham's win over Newcastle catapulted them out of the bottom three and into the top half of the table, and Pantsil is desperate to avoid a relegation fight.

"We weren't happy to be in the bottom three because we knew we belonged in the top ten," said Pantsil.

"We don't want to find ourselves there (near the bottom). We are going to keep our heads together and work hard so we can achieve it."