England and Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson has appeared before a judge on child sex charges.

The 28-year-old, who has played 12 times for England, appeared at Durham Crown Court for a hearing ahead of a trial due to take place on 24 August.

The winger previously pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 and another of grooming.

Born in Sunderland, he began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10m in 2012.

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