James Milner should definitely be given an England call-up
Liverpool maintained their unbeaten start to the season after drawing 1-1 against Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend. Though the Reds gave away the lead, they have looked a completely different side to the one that made it to Kyiv last season.
One man who has continued to defy all odds and has kept his place in the squad despite his ripe age is midfielder James Milner. Liverpool’s red wine has kept on playing at the highest level and his fitness seems to be impeccable.
Aged 32, James Milner is the midfield engine in the Reds’ team. There’s no real position for him if you think about. When Liverpool need him at the back, he’s more than willing to track behind and when the Reds are on the counter, Milner daunts forward to support the team.
It’s his undying attitude and determination that heaps praise on his displays. Milner has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in the league and has played a role in all the games so far. The English midfielder also scored the opener for Liverpool against the Gunners this weekend. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
His ability and technique have remained the same despite his age moving up, that’s what makes him such a gem of a midfielder. Milner has also always helped out in the defence whenever the backline was under threat. He has made a total of 22 tackles and 62 recoveries in the 11 games he’s played this season. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)
It goes on to show that the midfielder is certainly much more capable than some members in the current England squad under Gareth Southgate. Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson are all players who have shown inconsistency but Milner has remained the same.
What makes the English midfielder the perfect utility man is his ability to play in a number of different positions and diverse formations. Under Klopp, he has played as a winger, as a central midfielder and even as a left-back.
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The manager should have handed Milner an England recall to give the midfielder one last late charge. Though there aren’t any major tournaments in the horizon, the 32-year-old’s experience and wisdom would certainly help this young English side prosper. His defensive work will also provide the team with security at the back. Gareth Southgate should have brought back James Milner.