James Milner: U-21s can still win Euro tournament without Wilshere

Manchester City star James Milner insists he would never turn down a chance to represent his country.

The midfielder won a record 46 England Under-21 caps and reckons Stuart Pearce’s lads can win their Euros this month – even without Jack Wilshere.

Wilshere is too tired for the tournament in Denmark and Andy Carroll is injured.

“It’s down to them and the manager,” Milner said. “All I’d say is that I’d never turn down a chance to represent my country. I never have and I never will.”

Milner reached the final of the Under-21 competition two years ago and the semis before that.

He insists the current crop can go one better when the finals start on Sunday against Spain in Herning.

“Definitely. Look at how strong the squad is and who is going, and there are players not going for other reasons,” he said.

“It’s a very strong squad and Stuart Pearce will be desperate to go one better again.

“Hopefully we’re improving each time, we were in the two I played in so the next step is to go and win it.

“I know they are a great bunch of lads and the coach will have a great work ethic. They have more than enough ability to win it.”

Milner believes the Under-21s helps players make the step up to the seniors.

“All the way through from the Under-16s to the seniors, international football is a completely different style and it was a great experience to play,” he said.

“If you look at the best teams like Spain, their players were in the Under-21s and it gives you tournament experience and winning habits if you are winning games.”