Johnson - Roy row in the past

England full-back happy to be working with former Reds boss

Last Updated: June 23, 2012 10:31am

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Glen Johnson: Has no issue with Roy Hodgson despite Anfield falling out

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Glen Johnson claims he was 'not worried one bit' when Roy Hodgson was handed the England job, despite talk of a rift between the pair.

Johnson reportedly suffered a falling out with the experienced coach during their time together at Liverpool, with the defender less than impressed at being accused of failing to perform like 'the best right-back in the country'.

The breakdown in their relationship was rumoured to be so bad that Johnson sought a move away from Anfield before Hodgson was sacked after just six months in charge.

But Johnson is refusing to dwell on the past as he and new national coach Hodgson prepare to meet Italy in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals on Sunday.

"I was pleased for Roy to get the job," said Johnson.

"Whatever happened at Liverpool happened for a reason. Obviously, no-one can change that but it is done and dusted."

After being a favourite of Fabio Capello, Johnson could have been forgiven for fearing for his place as first-choice right-back under Hodgson.

Chat

"Whatever happened at Liverpool happened for a reason. Obviously, no-one can change that but it is done and dusted."
Glen JohnsonQuotes of the week

But he said: "I did not feel I had to prove anything. Whatever happened at Liverpool happened.

"Roy picked me for his first squad so I didn't have to prove anything."

He added: "I spoke to Roy. We had a general chat, the same sort of chat he had with everyone else. There were never any problems."

Johnson was also reported to have branded Hodgson's brand of football as 'boring' during their alleged spat.

But he is full of praise for the defensive organisation the 64-year-old has brought to the England set-up, despite admitting his methods have not changed from his time at Anfield.

Johnson said: "It has benefited the whole team. Everyone is willing to work that touch harder.

Defending

"Now, in the knockout stage, it's a one-off game and anything can happen. As long as you're still in the tournament, you've got a chance of winning it."
Glen JohnsonQuotes of the week

"At this level, it is the inches that make the difference.

"We are defending from high up and that is a good way to send the team out."

If Hodgson learned one lesson from Liverpool, it may have been the importance of a happy camp, something it is becoming increasingly apparent England may not have been under Capello.

Johnson said: "It is a bit more relaxed.

"That might be because there was less pressure as no-one thought we would do anything. No-one thought we would even get out of the group.

"We've always been confident. It was the fans and the press who weren't confident. We've always been close with each other and had belief in each other's ability.

"Now, in the knockout stage, it's a one-off game and anything can happen. As long as you're still in the tournament, you've got a chance of winning it."