Johnson's World Cup dream
Kaylee Seckington
Tuesday, 11 August, 2009
Glen Johnson is keeping any thoughts of South Africa at the back of his mind.
Glen Johnson wants to realise a childhood dream and play for England at next summer's World Cup but he insists any talk of South Africa is banned for the time being.
Fabio Capello's Three Lions are on the verge of making it to South Africa - a win against Croatia at Wembley next month will be enough - but Liverpool defender Johnson is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
"We haven't really spoken about the World Cup yet," he said.
"England are getting closer, but we need to get the points first and then start worrying about South Africa. Hopefully we can get the points under our belt as early as possible and take it from there.
"It's every child's dream to play in a World Cup - it is in the back of our minds and will stay there until we qualify."
The crucial qualifier with Croatia is on the horizon but first up for Capello's men is a friendly against Holland in the Amsterdam ArenA this Wednesday.
And Johnson is looking forward to the clash as he feels the exercise will prove crucial as England's World Cup qualifying campaign reaches its final straight.
"Holland are a good side," he added. "It would be nice to come away with a win and it is important to get the fitness levels correct.
"We will be taking it as a friendly, but obviously it is important to win - it's good to put down a marker."