James Milner will guide England in Ukraine: Roy Hodgson

James Milner

England manager Roy Hodgson has tipped James Milner as the key man to perform for England in Tuesday’s tricky World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

“We know what James will do. He isn’t, and doesn’t pretend to be, as exciting as some of the wingers we sometimes use these days,” said Hodgson.

“After a long period of time where I’ve not seen many wingers in the country, I’m now seeing lots of them. But we are going to need experience in Kiev. Milner is not a winger, but the qualities he brings could be very useful,” he added.

Milner had an impressive 20-minute cameo against Moldova on Friday and is all set to start the next game at Kiev. Hodgson will be without his top forwards with injuries to Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, and suspension for Danny Welbeck.

 However, the manager remains positive knowing that a draw and a win in their last two games would be enough for the team to book its ticket to Rio.

“I can’t say that is a positive thing to be without Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck and to know Daniel Sturridge might not be with us either. But I believe the group of players we have will step up to the plate. They won’t let us down,” he said.