The full-back says his young team-mate should feature for England in the tournament after establishing himself as “one of the first names on the teamsheet” at Liverpool

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has backed team-mate Raheem Sterling to earn a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

The 19-year-old winger has been in excellent form for the Anfield outfit, netting six league goals this term, and has played a significant role in the club’s march to the top of the Premier League table.

Johnson has lauded the form of the youngster and is convinced Sterling will not only make the plane to Brazil, but establish himself in the England team for the foreseeable future.

“It’s all kind of coming together at the right time for him,” the right-back told the club’s official website. “If he keeps playing the way he is, he’s definitely got a chance to be involved in the summer.

“I made my debut around a similar age as Raheem, but obviously I had a few years where I was in and out – so I didn’t get as many caps as maybe I should have by now. But hopefully Raheem won’t have that gap and I’m sure he’ll go on and get more.”

Sterling was used only sparingly at the start of the campaign, starting just once prior to December, but has now established himself as a first-team regular.

“He has been class. When he first burst onto the scene, everyone could see how good he could be,” added Johnson.

“I know he had a couple of months where he wasn’t in the team as much as he would have liked, but I think he has bounced back better for that. At the moment, he’s probably one of the first names on the teamsheet.”