Adam Johnson is uncertain he will be given the regular football he craves at Manchester City and which would bolster his chances of being a key part of the England squad.
The winger missed out on selection for Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad although he played the full 90 minutes of Wednesday night's friendly international with Italy in Berne, but Johnson has had a stop-start career at City since moving from Middlesbrough three seasons ago and is unsure whether that scenario will alter during 2012-2013.
Johnson said: "It was brilliant to get 90 minutes for England. After the disappointment of the Euros, to get straight back in and start was fantastic and has given me a lot of confidence. I enjoyed it as I had a bit more freedom and I felt good."
He added: "The manager said he wants me to go out and express myself, feel free and take people on, which is what I like to do.
"I really enjoyed it and hopefully I can play a few more games. It would be nice to get a run of games with England and hopefully I can push on to the next qualifiers."
But Johnson knows those chances will be enhanced if City boss Roberto Mancini gives him more opportunities.
He added: "I'm the kind of player that needs to be playing regularly. Any player does really, no matter what age they are.
"I need to play week-in week-out. You can't just go into one game after not having played for five and be expected to perform.
"Like I said, it would be nice to get a run of games with England but I'm not sure if I'll get that chance at City. Time will tell."
Source: PA
