VIDEO: Adam's World Cup aim
Tuesday, 25 May, 2010
England debutant is ready to fight for his World Cup berth.
Chris Hatherall
Adam Johnson is refusing to get nervous ahead of Fabio Capello’s final squad announcement on June 1 and insists he is doing everything possible to enjoy his first taste of life with England.
Manchester City winger Johnson came off the bench to make his England debut in Monday’s 3-1 victory over Mexico and is now battling to make it to the World Cup.
He will know his fate next week when Capello reduces the current squad of 30 to 23 for the trip to South Africa but for now the 22-year-old is happy to soak up the experience and do his best to impress.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far and hopefully it will continue. I got a few touches against Mexico and it was fantastic to have my first experience of England. It’s what everyone wants to do when they are a kid and I didn’t want it to end.”
The big question for winger Johnson now, of course, is whether he has done enough to force his way into contention for the World Cup. But he is doing his best not to get nervous.
“For me it’s my first squad. Everything that comes I’ll take, because I’m not used to this kind of thing. Every training session I’ll do my best and relax and try not to think about it.
“There’s obviously some people who are going to be disappointed but you never know maybe I won’t be one of them.
“But the competition for places here is fierce. The training has been really sharp with everyone trying to impress the manager,” said Johnson.
It's hard for any player not to get excited with the World Cup now little more than two weeks away and the next few days are going to be crucial.
The Three Lions are enjoying a well-earned day off today but will be back in Austria on Wednesday, preparing for Sunday’s final pre-tournament friendly fixture against Japan in Graz. And then, of course, comes Capello’s decision time.
“It’s very close now,” admitted Johnson. “It’s just around the corner. We have one more friendly to hopefully try and impress again and we’ll see what happens after that.
“Everyone is fighting for their place and trying extra hard. The manager has a really, really tough decision to make because with the quality in the squad it’s going to be difficult for him.”
Click here to watch Adam Johnson's post-match interview following his England debut.