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Aston Villa's James Milner appears World Cup bound following Fabio Capello's commendation
Winger heading to South Africa?
7 Feb 2010 15:15:00
By David Middleton
England manager Fabio Capello dropped a huge hint that Aston Villa's James Milner would be part of his plans for next summer's World Cup, after a glowing endorsement of the youngster's progress.
The Italian, who was over in Warsaw to witness the Euro 2012 qualifying draw, indicated that he had been impressed with the flying winger's development this season.
The former Leeds United and Newcastle United player has scored eight times for Villa this season, despite operating from a central midfield role on occasions, to fire them to seventh spot in the Premier League and into the League Cup final.
Alll of which is something that has not gone unnoticed by Capello: “[James] Milner is a fantastic player. He has improved more than any other player in the [England] squad,” Capello told the Independent on Sunday.
“He is intelligent on the pitch, can make good passes, assist for goals and score himself. He is very like [Frank] Lampard, younger but with great energy and he can get forward and score goals.”
The Italian also confessed to a number of other players who had grabbed his attention over the past few months, including Arsenal starlets Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere. Although the Italian conceded that while they were in contention for a place in the squad, they would have to be playing more regularly to be assured of a spot.
Capello added: “I like Adam Johnson, but all these players have to play. Players like [Kieran] Gibbs, [Jack] Wilshere, [Jack] Rodwell and Johnson. At the moment Gibbs and [Theo] Walcott are not playing.
“You have seen what has happened to Joe Hart now he is playing at Birmingham [City]. For him it is a good moment because he has improved a lot because he plays.”
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The Italian, who was over in Warsaw to witness the Euro 2012 qualifying draw, indicated that he had been impressed with the flying winger's development this season.
The former Leeds United and Newcastle United player has scored eight times for Villa this season, despite operating from a central midfield role on occasions, to fire them to seventh spot in the Premier League and into the League Cup final.
Alll of which is something that has not gone unnoticed by Capello: “[James] Milner is a fantastic player. He has improved more than any other player in the [England] squad,” Capello told the Independent on Sunday.
“He is intelligent on the pitch, can make good passes, assist for goals and score himself. He is very like [Frank] Lampard, younger but with great energy and he can get forward and score goals.”
The Italian also confessed to a number of other players who had grabbed his attention over the past few months, including Arsenal starlets Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere. Although the Italian conceded that while they were in contention for a place in the squad, they would have to be playing more regularly to be assured of a spot.
Capello added: “I like Adam Johnson, but all these players have to play. Players like [Kieran] Gibbs, [Jack] Wilshere, [Jack] Rodwell and Johnson. At the moment Gibbs and [Theo] Walcott are not playing.
“You have seen what has happened to Joe Hart now he is playing at Birmingham [City]. For him it is a good moment because he has improved a lot because he plays.”
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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