Manchester City winger Adam Johnson insists being left out of England's 2010 World Cup squad was the wake-up call he desperately needed.
The 23-year old failed to make the final 23 for the South Africa tournament and although disappointed at the time, reveals that it has made him work harder to get himself back into contention in the national team.
"I was really disappointed last summer to miss out on the World Cup finals," he said.
"I was pleased to get in the 30 but really disappointed not to go to South Africa.
"I thought I was in good form after moving from Middlesbrough four months earlier.
"Maybe in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise for me, a bit too soon after coming out of the Championship.
"But it has certainly helped me drive myself on even more.
"It made me think 'I'm going to come back and try even harder', that sort of thing.
"That's why I got my head down. I've got to make up for a bit of lost time.
"I've got to wait another three years for a World Cup now but we want to get to the European Championships."
