If I Could... with Sam Johnstone

1) If I could…play alongside one player from the history of world football, it would be…

…Lionel Messi. His ability to win you games, get you on the edge of your seat and do the unexpected. He would be a great addition to any team.

2) If I could…improve one part of my game today, it would be…

…playing shorter passes. I can obviously do it but it is something I could be better at. I would want to be as comfortable and as accurate on my left foot as my right.

3) If I could…take one part of an England team-mate’s game, it would be…

…Jordan Henderson’s leadership skills. He is very good at getting that balance and getting the best out of everyone. We all respect him and his attitude.

4) If I could…go back to one event in history, it would be…

…going back to the 1966 World Cup final. Hopefully, this group of lads can replicate them and lift a trophy for the country.

5) If I could…change one thing about the world, it would be…

…there is too much negativity. It doesn’t matter what you do or what walk of life you are in, there is just so much negativity. There are not enough people who are really positive.

6) If I could…change one thing about football, it would be…

…no wind! That is the worst when you are in goal. Also football politics.

7) If I could…give my eight-year-old self one bit of advice, it would be…

…whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. No matter what it is, whether it is school, sports or anything else if you do it to the best of your ability then you will not go far wrong.

8) If I could…speak to that child who is considering joining their local team but isn’t sure, I would tell them…

…just do it. Just try it. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to carry on but try it out because I’m sure you will enjoy it. You also never know where it might lead you. We all started at grassroots level and you never know where it could lead you. So go with no pressure and just enjoy it with your mates.

9) If I could…only eat one item of food for the rest of my life, it would be…

…chocolate!

10) If I could… choose who would play me in the film of my life story, it would be…

…that is a tough one because I don’t really watch a lot of films. I’ve seen a few films with Liam Neeson in so I will go for him.

11) If I could…invite three guests around for dinner, it would be…

…a singer, a sportsperson and someone else. So for the singer I would go for Robbie Williams because he would have a few stories and songs, and I’m watching his documentary at the moment. Conor McGregor because he would be quite entertaining and get it going. And then someone like Tom Holland because I’d be interested to know what it would be like to play a role like Spiderman.

12) If I could…have a second dream job, I would be…

…well I’m no good at it but I would say a top-level golfer.

13) If I could…be one person for a day, it would be…

…Floyd Mayweather because he is top-tier at what he does.