Glen's pride at Three Lions landmark

More than 10 years after the 29-year-old made his debut for the Three Lions - in a fixture with the same team - the Reds' No.2 will reach a half-century after Roy Hodgson confirmed his place in the starting XI yesterday.

Johnson explained his pride ahead of the occasion and pledged to continue offering maximum effort for the national team as the World Cup in Brazil looms on the horizon this summer.

He told FATV: "It's a fantastic achievement. From a young age, your dream is to play for your country. To reach your 50th cap is a very proud moment. It's great for me and my family.

"It's ironic that my debut was against Denmark; hopefully it will be a different result. Over the years, you have plenty of ups and downs. Every time you play for your club, you're aiming to represent your country. You always give it your all."

Asked for his highlights, Johnson added: "Representing your country in major tournaments - the Euros and the World Cup - and getting your first goal for your country means a lot.

"You genuinely enjoy it and try not to get carried away with yourself. To represent your country in a World Cup means everything. It's what you dream to do. You're living the dream."

After five weeks on the sidelines, the full-back returned to duty for Liverpool in the club's Barclays Premier League clash against Swansea City last month.

The Reds jumped to second place in the division with their 3-0 win at Southampton last weekend, and Johnson offered an explanation for the success achieved so far this season.

"Everyone is pulling in the same direction and willing to work hard and improve their own game," he explained. "And obviously we've got two fantastic strikers that are scoring at will at the moment. The hard work is paying off.

"Injury-wise, I'm getting my match fitness back now. I've had a couple of weeks out, where I had two or three niggling injuries. But I'm over them now and I'm concentrating on match fitness."