Johnson joined City from Middlesbrough in a £7million deal in January and was recently named in Fabio Capello’s provisional 30-man squad for England’s friendly against Egypt.
“Deep down I know it’s going to be tough to get into the World Cup squad,” Johnson told The Mirror.
“But stranger things have happened, so who knows? If there are a couple of injuries and I have some great form between now and the end of the season, you never know.
“I was just delighted to get into the provisional squad for the Egypt game. I wouldn’t have been in that squad if I hadn’t left Boro for City.
“But somebody always comes into the World Cup squad late, and if you know the England manager’s watching you can’t help but try a bit harder I suppose.
“Am I ready for the World Cup? I wouldn’t say no. It would be a fairytale to go from Boro to the World Cup so quickly.
“Lots of people will say it’s not possible, but if I did manage it, I’d go to South Africa with the confidence I have always had.
“For the natural balance, there’s probably only me and Stewy Downing on the left, but there are some great right-footed players who can also fill in there.”
