Johnson happy with senior England role
Glen Johnson admits he is comfortable in his role as a senior statesman with England and Liverpool.
Johnson has been in some of the most consistent form of his career for England during the past 12 months and held off the strong challenge of Tottenham's Kyle Walker.
The 28-year-old has won 44 caps and is happy to impart advice to any of the crop of young talent emerging under head coach Roy Hodgson.
But Johnson knows he is fortunate his right foot and not his left has been his main strength after the form shown by Cole who will win his 100th cap in Wednesday's friendly international with Brazil at Wembley.
Johnson said: "It's great to be part of the set-up and around some of the lads I am surrounded by.
"People say younger players coming in are now looking up to me. That was always going to come, to be honest.
"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.
"Do I offer help and advice? More so at Liverpool, because you're together every day and you feel a bit more need to do that.
"With England it is kind of short and sharp but you speak to people when you need to."
Johnson insists he is more concerned at his performances than worrying about the threat from the likes of Walker to his position.
He said: "It is great on a personal level (to fend off Walker) but I have never looked at it that way.
"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.
"People talk people up. It is part of the game and you have to get on with it.
"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.
"You just do what you do best and let everyone else talk about things. In any case, any competition is healthy.
"If there is no competition, you have nothing to fight for or chase after. Competition is good at any level or sport."