The 26-year-old winger has been in sensational form of late, scoring his seventh goal in as many matches in Saturday’s 3-0 derby victory over Newcastle United.
Adam Johnson last played for England in 2012
Now, with Sunderland in the Capital One Cup final, the Fifth Round of The FA Cup, and with only one League defeat in the past two months, Black Cats boss Poyet believes Johnson deserves his share of the credit.
Poyet said: "We were good in December, but something was missing. Now, he is creating the difference.
"If he continues to play like that, no doubt he can go to the World Cup and, if he continues like that, we will be safe.”
Poyet admits that a recent tactical shift has helped him get the best out of Johnson, who won the last of his 12 England caps against Italy in August 2012, and is yet to play in a major tournament.
Adam Johnson
Born: Sunderland, 14 July 1987
Clubs: Middlesbrough, Leeds United (loan), Watford (loan), Manchester City, Sunderland
International: England Under-19, U21, Seniors
Senior debut: v Mexico, 24/05
Caps: 12
Goals: 2
"He has not been more confident during his time at Sunderland," he said. "When you have a player of his quality, you have to play a certain way to take advantage."
Johnson is just one of a gaggle of wingers vying for Roy Hodgson’s attention ahead of the World Cup in Brazil.
But with Theo Walcott likely to miss the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury, Johnson believes his run for recognition could prove a timely one.
"Of course I have missed it [playing for England]," he told Match of the Day. "It's the best thing of all to play for England.
“A few months ago I didn't think I had a chance, but maybe I do now. It's a good time to do it."
