James Milner finally got off the mark for England in Friday’s 5-0 victory over Moldova, after 32 caps at senior level. The Telegraph reports.
It is hard to think of a more straightforward England win in recent memory; against a side ranked 141st in the World and one who offered very little resistance on what could have been mistaken as a training ground exercise.
But nevertheless, Hodgson’s men went about the match in a professional manner and did not underestimate their Moldovan counterparts, by playing a high-tempo, passing game from the word go.
Milner was one of those who worked tirelessly on the right wing, doing the simple things well and producing the goods when needed- scoring England’s fourth goal after neat link-up play with Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck on the edge of the penalty area.
“There is no better feeling than scoring goals, but if you play a part in a goal – or ask the boys at the back if they split their head open making a goal-line clearance – that is as good as scoring a goal as well. The best thing is putting on an England shirt and being part of a winning team”, he said.
The Manchester City midfielder has impressed Roy Hodgson with his team ethic and selfless attitude, despite playing out on the wing instead of his favoured position in central midfield.
Milner is not a born winger and does not have the pace which the likes of Walcott or Ashley Young possess to fit into the position seamlessly, but his work rate in tracking back to cover Glen Johnson when he bombs forward is testament to his team ethic.
Milner also revealed his overall sporting prowess growing up in Leeds and used to enjoy cross-country running as well as playing cricket for Yorkshire at County level in his junior days, opening the batting and keeping wicket to the likes of Tim Bresnan.
Yorkshire has a proud sporting tradition, clearly evident at this summer’s Olympics. It is something which Milner is very proud of and he believes there is a sheer determination to succeed in the County
“Maybe it’s something they put in the water or the Yorkshire puddings. I’ve said it to the [England] lads and anyone else who’ll listen: if Yorkshire were a country we’d be well up there in the medal table and I’m very proud of that.”
On this evidence, it may be the magic of the Yorkshire puddings which sends England to Brazil.
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