The 22-year-old appeared on track to sneak into Fabio Capello's England squad when he made his debut in the pre-tournament friendly against Mexico after receiving his first international call-up.
But the Blues winger was not among the 23 players named and will instead have to watch the tournament from home.
"Of course I was a bit down when I got the news and my first thought was that I wish I'd had more of a chance to show what I could do in the two warm-up matches," he told www.mcfc.co.uk.
"I would have loved the chance to showcase what I can do on the biggest stage of all but I am not going to dwell on it.
"The England management made it clear to me that I have an international future and I am going to have a rest now and then get my head down and get ready to try and work my way into the side for September qualifiers.
"I suppose if you had mentioned the World Cup to me back in December I would have smiled but I had a thought in the back of my mind when I signed for City that if I did well I might have half a chance.
"I am going to take the positives out of the last two weeks."
Johnson came into the England reckoning after joining City from Middlesbrough in January, and then dislodging Shaun Wright-Phillips - who is in the World Cup squad - from Roberto Mancini's starting XI.
Johnson's versatility appeared to count in his favour, but he played only six minutes of the friendly against Mexico before remaining on the sidelines throughout the Japan clash.
"I have worked with the squad, I have an England cap which is a wonderful honour and I know that I will be in the mind of the coach and his staff for the future," Johnson added.
"I am an England fan and in a way I built up so many bonds in the last couple of weeks that I will still feel part of it.
"I have spoken to Shaun (Wright-Phillips), wished him good luck and told him to go and do well. There are certainly no hard feelings towards him.
"I am delighted for Gareth (Barry) too. He has had a great season and it would have been so cruel for injury to have robbed him of a World Cup.
"The lads are fully capable of winning the World Cup. I think we have a great chance along with maybe two or three other sides. Of course we will need a bit of luck along the way that goes with winning anything in sport but no one should write off England's chances."
What do you think? Have your say.
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steveblue, doncaster (02/06/2010 at 14:43)
adders, Co.Cavan ex Manchester (02/06/2010 at 15:06)
Andrew Shaw (02/06/2010 at 15:13)
I would take issue with AJ over one thing. Lovely to be optimistic but I'm afraid I have seen absolutely nothing from England either during the qualifiers or the pre-tournament friendlies that suggests that we will finish any better than where we usually finish which is four yearly quarter finalists. There are at least six sides in that tournament who, if they were drawn against us, would expect to win.
paulo jackson (02/06/2010 at 15:29)
paulo jackson (02/06/2010 at 15:34)
TruBlu132 (02/06/2010 at 15:38)
Have a great summer re charging those batteries and in my opinion you will be the driving force and future of England in the next couple of years.
Njinsky Blue, Spain (02/06/2010 at 15:47)
blueballs (02/06/2010 at 15:54)
The one good choice he made was Wright-Philips over Walcott. I've no idea why all the cockneys are shocked that Walcott lost his place, Shauny is far more deserving of his place and always puts in a good shift for his country. Walcott is actually quite ordinary, I don't understand what the hype is all about.
As for Darren Bent, if I was him I'd throw my passport in the bin and apply for another nationality. If scoring 22 premiership goals can't get you into the England team over Heskey then what more do you have to do?
mark jones (02/06/2010 at 16:05)
the real mark jones.
CTID_2010 , Manchester (02/06/2010 at 16:13)
Esso Blue + Space Dust, ......................................... (02/06/2010 at 16:16)
Andrew Shaw (02/06/2010 at 16:24)
1. Spain
2. Brazil
3. Italy
4. Argentina
5. Holland
6. Ivory Coast
And if you want an absolute banana skin you can add
7. USA
The Big Brown Hatter, Worsley (02/06/2010 at 16:51)
The Big Brown Hatter, Worsley (02/06/2010 at 16:54)
Uwe the Goat, Brighton (02/06/2010 at 17:21)
Bobby Johnstone's left kneecap, Ex-Hong Kong (02/06/2010 at 17:30)
paulo jackson (02/06/2010 at 18:15)
I am the one and only, Tameside (02/06/2010 at 18:28)
Once again, I have to latch on to your positve comments. It is exceptional to have an Academy young man come through, join our great club and aim high for top honours and represent his country. Adam has an outstanding opportunity to reach the top and stay there for years.
My advice would always be follow the example of Beckham and Ronney, stay behind after normal training and focus on weaknesses and practice, practice and practice that I know will strengthen skills and make one a better player. Ned and Micah also take note, as you both can become better players and still make the England squad in the future.
At City make it difficult for Roberto not to play you. We read Roberto is happy with his squad of which you are a part of so lets get motivated and get our brains in gear. I look forward to the World Cup for sure but cannot wait for the EPL season to get underway. Adders I am sure you feel the same but in the meantime you Mrs Adders and your family and not least the pets have a great summer.
The liitle baby ducks take me back many years when my father used to take me to Shudehill Market in Manchester I am sure it was Easter and sellers would be there with the lovely yellow fluffy things so adoring and innocent, brings tears to my eyes magical memories.
Have a wonderful evening and watch out for my Manchester City Supporters "Hall of Fame". That I propose hitting this site with by 5pm on Friday.
Bring back Bradbury (02/06/2010 at 18:46)
Portsmouth Blue (02/06/2010 at 19:08)
Adam is one of the few that given the chance could change a game,now i am even more convinced that we will see a poor showing from this over hyped and in some cases over the hill team.
Lamby30676 (02/06/2010 at 20:00)
johno CTID, newton heath (02/06/2010 at 20:51)
Ted,S-O-T (02/06/2010 at 21:00)
England are tripe & have been since 66,best chance was in 1990 when we were actually the better team in the semi-final,and it's not very often you can say that. It's about time the media got real & printed how it is?
Blue Meanie Reincarnated (02/06/2010 at 21:34)
The reason he hasn't selected Johnson is the same reason he has selected injured players, despite promising he wouldn't; and its the same reason England will never win the World Cup - he's scared to look beyond the top four or five teams in the Premier League. There are better players in the lower divisions - just look at Adam Johnson - it was only recently he was in a lower divisioin.
Sporting myopia is a sure sign England will crash out of the World Cup.
Trueblue39, Kelowna Canada (02/06/2010 at 21:37)