Adam Johnson surprised by World Cup exclusion

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has said that he was surprised to be left out of the England squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

The 26-year-old helped the Black Cats to avoid relegation from the Premier League last season with a string of impressive displays.

Johnson believes that his form warranted a place in Roy Hodgson's squad for the tournament.

"On the whole, since the new gaffer [Gus Poyet] came in, I've been happy with my form," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"It was then that I started scoring a few goals and getting back to my best form and from January onwards is probably the best I have played in my career.

"Everyone would be saying that I was playing really well at [Manchester] City when I was getting into England squads, but personally I think this is the best spell I've had as a footballer."

Johnson won the last of his 12 England caps in August 2012.