Milner - England can change

Midfielder praises Gerrard's leadership skills

Last updated: 9th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Milner - England can change

Milner: Feels England can adapt

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James Milner is confident England are capable of adapting to different styles following their impressive start to Euro 2012 qualification.

England's dismal failure at the World Cup finals in the summer was in part attributed to coach Fabio Capello's refusal to abandon his favoured 4-4-2 formation.

The lack of flexibility was a stark contrast to the fluid systems used by several of the other leading nations, but Capello has not drastically altered his tactics since South Africa.

He paired captain Steven Gerrard with Gareth Barry in midfield for the wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland, with Milner and Theo Walcott in wide positions, and Wayne Rooney supporting Jermain Defoe.

However, Milner believes that formation has worked well so far and has no concerns about England being able to change systems when required.

He said: "I don't see why not. It is down to the manager how he wants to play.

"I think we've got the players in the squad to be able to play like that (against Switzerland) and other formations as well.

"If the manager wants to play three in there, if he wants to play a diamond, whatever, we've got the players who can change and play the way he wants to play.

"I think that helps and gives him options when we play against teams who play different ways. You have to be able to adapt your style."

Leading by example

The Manchester City midfielder also praised the leadership qualities of Gerrard, who has been England captain since Rio Ferdinand suffered a knee injury prior to the World Cup.

Milner added: "When you've got good players they are going to shine through.

"You know Steven Gerrard is another top player that we are lucky to have. He has shown his leadership skills.

"Not everyone has to be a shouter. He will do that, he'll have a word and shout at you when it needs to be done. But he leads by example on the pitch, without or with the ball, and we are lucky to have a player like that.

"I'm lucky to be able to look up to a player like that and learn as much as I can off him."

Euro 2012 Winner Win Outright: England 8/1