James Milner is becoming a top-class player
Most players move imperceptibly through the career gears – average to good to very good to great – but occasionally a player's ascent is tangible. James Milner is in such a phase. He has clearly gone up a notch this season, and his range of skills is greater than any other winger in England. He is a pure footballer, an excellent crosser from open play or dead-ball situations, a subtle dribbler, an indefatigable worker, a humble team man, and versatile enough to play on both flanks or even in the centre.
The fact that he is not genuinely fast will probably stop him getting a place in England's first XI at the World Cup – the right wing is the only obvious place where Fabio Capello can get blistering pace in his attacking sextet, and he is not going to displace Steven Gerrard on the left – but his versatility and quality should earn him a squad place. And at 23, he has scope for even more improvement.
კონტრასტი:
RIO FERDINAND is facing the axe from Alex Ferguson as fears grow at Old Trafford that the defender is past his best.
Ferdinand, 30, was caught out for Fernando Torres' opener in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
But this is not the first time the England centre-back has been found wanting this season.
Now the club management are concerned that Ferdinand has lost two yards of pace and that he might never recover his best form.
The change could come as soon as Saturday's home game to Blackburn as boss Ferguson is ready to give Jonny Evans an extended run in the side alongside Nemanja Vidic.
Serb Vidic has been below form recently and is suspended for tonight's Carling Cup tie at Barnsley after seeing red at Anfield.
Yet Fergie does not have as many concerns over him as he does Ferdinand.
Ferguson has even questioned whether Ferdinand is doing well enough to get into Fabio Capello's England squad for next summer's World Cup.
Fergie said: "He has to get good form.
"That's an important issue for the coach to pick the right team.
"In defence you've maybe got more options than other positions.
"He'll need to get his form right."
Read more:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport...l#ixzz0V7CFJWK3 
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ინგლისური ფეხბურთის ფანკლუბი, Three Lions On The Shirt - Part VII
