Johnson fancies England´s chances

Glen Johnson says England are capable of beating any opponent in a one-off game and has backed the team to succeed at Euro 2012.

Liverpool defender Johnson claims the national team players have full belief in their ability, despite disappointing returns at major tournaments.

He also remains unconcerned at the lack of a replacement for manager Fabio Capello, who resigned last month.

“In a one-off game we can beat anybody,” Johnson told The Daily Star.

“So if we can put it together and get it right on the day we have a good chance.

“The lads believe in themselves. We have got some great players, a good squad and good backroom staff.”

Johnson believes the England players are used to the problems that ‘always’ surround the national team and will not be affected by the managerial vacancy.

“There is always something going on, always issues,” he said.

“But you don’t get to this level of football without going through some crazy times.

“The lads learn to deal with hard moments, turn a blind eye to things and just get on with what they do best, which is play football.”

England were knocked out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa by Germany, suffering a 4-1 defeat in the second round.

But despite that apparently comprehensive defeat, Johnson claims the margins between success and failure can be very small.

“At that level it’s the finer details, the inches that make the difference,” Johnson said.

“Look at the World Cup in South Africa two years ago.

“Of course we went out earlier than expected but, if you look at the fine details, Frank Lampard scored and if that goal is given it’s a different ball game.

“I know there is no point going over it now but you never know, we could have gone on and won that game.

“Once we were chasing the game we had to play differently, which left holes for Germany to get the third and fourth.”