Adam Johnson: I still have to prove myself

Impressive: Adam Johnson
11 April 2012

Adam Johnson has reacted to news of a potential England call-up by insisting he still has plenty to prove.

National team boss Fabio Capello revealed he has been impressed by the Manchester City winger following his move from Middlesbrough in February.

Johnson, 22, has never been called into an England squad but could find himself in Capello's provisional 30-man line-up for the World Cup, which he will name on May 16.

Johnson told the BBC's Football Focus: "I was playing in the Championship in January and now people are talking about me playing for England.

"It's nice hearing it but I'm still young. I just want to push on and try to be the best player I can be. You've got to keep your feet on the ground and not get too carried away."

Johnson came through Middlesbrough's academy and broke into the team as a teenager playing on the left of midfield.

But the left-footer has been deployed on the right by City, where he has put in a number of impressive performances.

With David Beckham definitely out of contention for the World Cup, Aaron Lennon still struggling with injury and Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips not on top form, the door is open for Johnson.

Capello said: "Adam Johnson [has caught my eye this season]. He's come up from the Championship at Middlesbrough, where he played in a different position, and he's done well with Manchester City.

"Now it's important he gets some international experience."

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