JAMES MILNER URGES ENGLAND TO NOT LOSE FIRST GAME AGAINST RUSSIA

James Milner has urged the national team squad in France not to lose their opener with Russia at the Euro 2016.

The Three Lions veteran is part of Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad set to play Russia on June 11. Milner who is 30 years of age will be making his fourth appearance in a major tournament after making the squad for the World Cups in 2010 and 2014 and the last Euros four years ago. He said:

“What I’ve learned more than anything is don’t lose your first game, whatever happens,” said Milner. It’s great to win it and get off to a flying start, but if you can’t get that win make sure you are solid and don’t concede late on looking for the winner.

“As soon as you lose that first game in a three-game group you put yourselves under pressure straight away,” he advised.

He admitted that with the type of players in the team, there are various formations and combinations but urges them to win the first game no matter what. England having never won an opening game at a European Championships and is fully aware of the importance of not losing before meeting Wales and Slovakia later on.

The player said he wasn’t nervous as it was his fourth tournament already but his pretty relaxed ahead of their first game where record say they have had four draws and four defeats. Milner wants the team to garner maximum points to help their hope of going far in the tournament.

He says he is excited that the national team has versatility and urges the Manager Roy Hodgson to use everything at his disposal to lead them to Euro 2016 glory. England remain among the favourites aside France, Spain and Germany.