Glen Johnson is backing England to put off-field distractions to one side and prove that they have what it takes to challenge at a major tournament.
Full-back confident England can challenge at Euro 2012
Glen Johnson is backing England to put off-field distractions to one side and prove that they have what it takes to challenge at a major tournament.
The Three Lions are counting down the days until Euro 2012, but have a number of issues to be resolved before they take to the field against France on 11th June.
With Fabio Capello having stepped down as manager, a permanent successor to the Italian must be found, or at least an interim appointment made.
A decision must also be made regarding the national captaincy, with John Terry having been stripped of the armband.
It is hardly ideal preparation for a crack at international glory, but Liverpool full-back Johnson is confident the Three Lions will arrive in Poland and Ukraine with their minds focused on the job in hand.
Hard
"There is always something going on, always issues," he told the
Daily Star.
"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."
Johnson was part of the England side that flattered to deceive at the 2010 World Cup, but he believes things will be different this time around.
"In a one-off game we can beat anybody," he added.
"So if we can put it together and get it right on the day we have a good chance.
Belief
"The lads believe in themselves. We have got some great players, a good squad and good backroom staff.
"At that level it's the finer details, the inches that make the difference. 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."
