Glen Johnson: 'England have improved'

Glen Johnson has claimed that England have improved since they last met Italy at the 2012 European Championships.

The Three Lions, who face the Azzurri in their opening match of the World Cup on Saturday, were beaten on penalties in the quarter-finals in Kiev two years ago.

However, Johnson believes that England are now a more attack-minded side that can cause the Italians plenty of problems.

"I think we had a good team when we played Italy last time, but now we have more players who can hurt them attacking-wise," the full-back is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"We have a bit more pace in the squad as well so hopefully we will get further on. I don't think Italy will have met an England team like this before. The team we had before was a good side but maybe it was slightly defensive."

Johnson is expected to start for England when they face Italy in Manaus next weekend.