Glen Johnson is relishing his role as one of the senior members of the England squad after admitting to being in some of the most consistent form of his career during the past 12 months.
The right-back has held off the strong challenge of Tottenham's Kyle Walker and was on the shortlist of players contending the Football Association's England player of the year award. Johnson, who has won 44 caps, is happy to impart advice to the crop of young talent emerging under head coach Roy Hodgson.
Johnson said: "It's great to be part of the set-up and around some of the lads I am surrounded by. People say younger players coming in are now looking up to me. That was always going to come to be honest!"
He continued: "There are a lot of younger lads than me knocking around the squad at the moment so it's nice if you can help. They will want to be in your position one day so it's a nice feeling.
"Do I offer help and advice? More so at Liverpool because you're together every day and you feel a bit more need to do that. With England it is kind of short and sharp but you speak to people when you need to."
Johnson puts more emphasis on ensuring his own performances are in order rather than worrying about the threat from the likes of Walker to his position.
He said: "It is great on a personal level (to fend off Walker) but I have never looked at it that way.
"I have always looked after myself and just tried to play well in each game. I then want to do enough to be selected for the next one.
"That philosophy has worked well for me over the last few years and that is what I will continue to do. People talk people up. It is part of the game and you have to get on with it.
"I'd like to think I've responded well to the competition but as a professional, you don't want to apply too much pressure on yourself. But I've been working really hard for many years to try and be consistent and think the last 12 months have been my mostly satisfying with England."
Source: PA
