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James Milner Rejects Change Of Mind Over England Retirement

James Milner Rejects Change Of Mind Over England Retirement

The FA has twice tried to get the Liverpool midfielder to play for England during the World Cup.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

The FA has twice tried, and twice failed, to get James Milner to come out of international retirement in time for the World Cup as injury problems mount for the England manager.

For so long James Milner may have been one of the most underrated and under appreciated talents in the England squad, half of that was as a result of him played right wing to look after Glenn Johnson at right midfield as the former Liverpool full back mauraded forward.

Milner was part of the squad at the Euros in 2016 that was knocked out by Iceland in the second round, the most embarrassing moment in a decade of embarrassing moments for England.

At that point it's no wonder he retired from international football, it's almost a shock the whole team didn't. In his current form for Liverpool though he could walk straight back into the side this summer in Russia, but that won't be happening.

According to the Times the FA have contacted Milner on two occasions to get him to come out of retirement for England. The first was in October 2016 when Gareth Southgate too the reigns for England and the second has been more recently as injuries in midfield mount up.

Milner last played for England two years ago. Image: PA Images
Milner last played for England two years ago. Image: PA Images

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injured himself in Liverpool's Champions League semi-final first leg taking him out for the rest of the season and the World Cup, just as he'd likely played himself into Southgate's starting XI for the tournament in Russia.

On top of that another Reds midfielder, Adam Lallana, has been struggling all season, he was injured until half way through the season and has never got back to his best form.

Chamberlain's season is over. Image: PA Images
Chamberlain's season is over. Image: PA Images

There are also injury concerns for Jack Wilshere and Ruben Loftus-Cheek who could both potentially be in the squad if they can get back to full fitness.

It will be interesting to see who gets the place left by Ox's injuries and one man who could benefit is Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey. His form has been getting better as the season's gone on and plenty have called for his inclusion.

Milner would have been a great addition for England but that's not going to happen.

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Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Russia 2018, James Milner, England, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gareth Southgate, World Cup