England full-back Glen Johnson is relishing his role as one of the senior players in the national team set-up and is pleased with his recent form for his country.
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The 28-year-old will earn his 45th cap in the friendly against Brazil on Wednesday and has admitted the youth of the current England squad has inspired him to be a role-model for England's next generation.
"It's great to be part of the set-up and around some of the lads I am surrounded by," the defender said.
"There are a lot of younger lads than me knocking around the squad at the moment so it's nice if you can help. They will want to be in your position one day so it's a nice feeling."
The former Portsmouth man has once again established himself as England's number one right-back after warding of a strong challenge from Tottenham's Kyle Walker for the position.
"It is great on a personal level (to fend off Walker) but I have never looked at it that way," he added.
"I have always looked after myself and just tried to play well in each game. I then want to do enough to be selected for the next one.
"That philosophy has worked well for me over the last few years and that is what I will continue to do.
"I'd like to think I've responded well to the competition but as a professional, you don't want to apply too much pressure on yourself.
"But I've been working really hard for many years to try and be consistent and think the last 12 months have been my mostly satisfying with England."
Johnson was also on the shortlist for the Football Association's England Player of the Year award, eventually losing out to captain Steven Gerrard, and the Liverpool man has heaped praise on Gerrard's influence for both the Reds and England citing his excellent leadership.
"He is an inspiration to club and country. For any young kid coming through, if he doesn't inspire you then I don't know what will," he said.
"He seizes the initiative and leads by example. When you see him charge around, it makes everyone else want to charge around as well."
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