Manchester City signing Adam Johnson is hopeful of earning a surprise call-up to Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad. Despite competition from David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Stewart Downing, Ashley Young, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Theo Walcott and James Milner to make the 23-man squad, Johnson is convinced he can force his way in.
He told the News of the World: "With the World Cup coming up, stranger things have happened. When I signed for City there were little things in my head telling me to make the move.
"In the Championship I wasn't being seen, never mind being picked for England. I needed to be on the TV and getting talked about, which wasn't happening.
"When the opportunity came up to leave Middlesbrough and join a big club, things like England became a factor.
"I hope I can make the jump and go to South Africa with England. I've got to continue to play like I did in my first home game and then I might get a sniff.
"I've had no indication, just some banter with the lads about it, but nothing concrete yet."
