Sam challenges Milner to play for England

Nov 4 2007 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

JAMES MILNER has been challenged to force his way into the senior England set-up.

The 21-year-old holds the record for the most number of Under-21 caps – currently 32.

But Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has urged Milner to maintain his club form in order to make an impression on England coach Steve McClaren.

“It would be a shame having been an England Under-21 cap record-holder if James doesn’t progress to the full England squad,” said Allardyce.

“There’s still time for him. The only reason you play for your country is because you play well for your club, and the more your club is successful, the more chance you’ve got of playing for your international side.

“That goes for anybody who plays international football worldwide. If players aren’t playing well at club level it’s very rare that they’ll get selected for their international team.

“They’ve got to want to be on top of their game for Newcastle United, and for us to be successful, but every player wants to play for his country.

“If they want to do that they have to be successful for us, and get the national coach to pick them for their country.”