• World Cup

City star Johnson to get England chance

Adam Johnson is expected to start for England against Japan on Sunday © Getty Images

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Adam Johnson's eye-catching cameo against Mexico appears to have significantly improved his chances of making it to the World Cup, and he will be given a chance to prove himself again against Japan this Sunday.

Johnson earned a call-up to Fabio Capello's initial 30-man squad after enjoying an impressive five months for Manchester City following his move from Middlesbrough in January.

And the winger can now expect a straight fight with Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips for what is likely to be one spot in Fabio Capello's final squad.

Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon are well established despite the unconvincing win over Mexico when Capello was far from satisfied with the overall display.

But Johnson did enough to warrant a further showing, when one flash of trickery inside the box gave Capello sufficient cause to believe he is worth another final look against Japan.

"Adam Johnson has qualities, and brings something different to the squad," an England insider told Soccernet. "Although he played for a short period, he did enough to give the England coach something to consider.

"Joe Cole and Shaun Wright Phillips can also expect to play some part against Japan, and it is clear they are both still battling for a place, and with Johnson, for those three there might only be one place left, we shall see."

Cole just about made the cut for the final 30, so it is no surprise he is in danger of being one of the seven who face the axe when Capello names his final 23.

Wright-Phillips, though, has been a regular in Capello's squads so it would perhaps look a wildcard decision if Capello went with Johnson, but much will depend on the performances against Japan.

Although Lennon and Walcott still have faults with their final ball, their blistering pace scares defenders and is something Capello won't give up lightly, as he comes to finalise the last few question marks over his squad for South Africa.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.