Thanks to beer and quizzes England players are closer than ever, reveals Milner

James Milner insists the last few days has brought the England squad closer together even if Capello stuck to his philosophy of not naming his starting line-up until two hours before kick-off for the Slovenia game.

It has been a testing week for England after John Terry’s very public outburst as he claimed there was dissent in the camp.

But Milner, who is expected to make a big money move to Manchester City after then tournament, said: “The manager announced the team like he always does in the team meeting a couple of hours before the game. But I think everybody knew once we did the team shape that was probably going to be the team.

“We had the option of a beer, but I didn’t take it. But it was more of a relaxed preparation.

“We’ve had a good few days training, we were very sharp and had a few good days together with a few activities. We are all feeling pretty happy and went into the game relaxed.

“We had a quiz the other night, which was good fun and everyone was involved. We had a good laugh. Liverpool won, we were in teams and Jamie Carragher’s knowledge of footie did it for them - it was pretty special. I wasn’t in Man City’s team!

“The last few days has brought us closer together. We’ve had good training. When things aren’t going well, that’s when you have to pull together and it’s make or break.

“You pull together as a group and we’ve done that, and the longer you are together and the further you get in the tournament, you are going to come together more.”