Johnson: feud with Hodgson is in the past

Glen Johnson said yesterday that he had put aside his differences with Roy Hodgson despite the trenchant criticism of the right-back that the England manager made during his spell when in charge of Liverpool two seasons ago.

It was in November 2010 that Hodgson answered a question about Johnson's form for Liverpool by saying the player had not performed "up to the level" expected of him. Hodgson said at the time. "You would have to ask him the question: 'Do you think you are playing at top form and are you playing like the best right-back in the country for your club?' If he says yes, we will have to agree to differ."

Speaking for the first time on England duty, Johnson, who has started four of Hodgson's five games in charge, said there was no problem between the pair. Asked whether he feared for his place when Hodgson was appointed, Johnson said: "Not at all. I was not worried one bit. I was pleased for Roy to get the job. Whatever happened at Liverpool happened for a reason. Obviously, no one can change that but it is done and dusted.

"I spoke to Roy. We had a general chat, the same sort of chat he had with everyone else. There was never any problem. I did not feel I had to prove anything, no. Whatever happened at Liverpool happened. Roy picked me for his first squad so I didn't have to prove anything."