GLEN JOHNSON has revealed his determination to hold onto his England spot and extend his longest consecutive spell of games for the Three Lions.
The Portsmouth defender has started the past four internationals and hopes to be part of the side for tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier in Kazhakstan.
The former Chelsea player points to his display in the win over Germany in Berlin in November as the turning point of his international career.
Fabio Capello had to field a virtual shadow squad in that game because of injuries and withdrawals, but England achieved a 2-1 win with Johnson particularly outstanding.
Johnson said: “It’s great for players when you get a run in consecutive games, and I’m pleased about that, so I’ll try and make that last as long as I can.
“I definitely think my performance against Germany won a lot of the critics over.
“But like I said, I don’t really dwell on things too long and I take each game as it comes and give everything I can in every game.”
Johson is happy to take trips to footballing outposts such as Kazhakstan in his stride as part of his footballing education.
He said: “It’s part and parcel of the international stage.
You go to places sometimes that not too many people know too much about.
“It’s a learning curve for everyone as well.”
The 24-year-old has relished working under top managers during his career, including Capello.
He said: “I’ve worked under a lot of good managers and they mainly give you belief in yourself.
“They make you have confidence in your own ability and let you know that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”
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