Liverpool’s James Milner would be massive asset for England at World Cup, says Jurgen Klopp
Given his midfield partnership with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson there has been suggestions England would benefit from Milner being available – and his manager agrees
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool midfielder James Milner would be a massive asset for England at the World Cup according to manager Jurgen Klopp.
Milner announced his retirement from international football in August 2016 after winning 61 caps for the Three Lions. The 32-year-old has received the plaudits this season and been an integral part of Liverpool’s run to the semi-final of the Champions League.
Given his midfield partnership with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson there has been suggestions England would benefit from Milner being available. Milner himself is understood to be cool on the idea although if Gareth Southgate were to make a personal approach he could be swayed.
Klopp for his part believes Milner, who joined the Reds on a free transfer from Manchester City in June 2015, could still do it at international level.
“He could always play for England, that was clear,” Klopp said. “But he decided not to do it anymore. We don't know if he would still have played like this had he not stopped with England because he used the international breaks for recovery.
“His was a completely different situation to the international players. He had three weeks without football in the whole season – in August, October/November and then the third. That makes a massive difference. He is performing at a really high level. He understood the style of play completely in the midfield role.
“He was always a big leader in the dressing room and on the pitch. He still has this energetic style but he calms down in other situations too on the passing side. He is in absolutely good shape.”
Milner beat the record for most assists in the Champions League when his corner was steered home by Roberto Firmino in Liverpool’s 5-2 semi-final first leg over Roma at Anfield on Tuesday. The former Leeds United man notched his ninth against the Italian side to better a record jointly held by Wayne Rooney and Neymar.
“That is so cool. What can I say? We have at least one more game so hopefully he will get the chance to improve that statistic but it's really, really nice for him,” Klopp said.
“I've heard that people have this hashtag for him – Boring Milner – and he responds to it. It's nice for him to have this record. You have all these world class players and the man who shows up with the most assists is James Milner. That is really cool. I'm happy for him.”
Klopp used Milner as a stand-in left-back last season but always retained faith in his ability to return to play in midfield.
“That’s why he is here,” Klopp explained. “He was always a versatile player, he came from the wing and I think when he was very young he was a proper striker, right? He is an energetic player, fantastic attitude, endurance is outstanding, sprint is good. It’s all good. It was a little bit, I don’t know in the past, about decision making but it’s not now.
“With all the experience now he has improved a lot. From the first day, I think I said it in the first press conference, the good thing is we have another new signing as James Milner is back in midfield. It’s always about the boys to use that opportunity and he used it.”
Meanwhile, Klopp is also optimistic midfielders Adam Lallana and Emre Can will play some part in the remainder of the campaign. Lallana has struggled for the majority of the season with a thigh injury while Can has an ongoing back problem which are set to keep them out of Saturday's clash with Stoke.
“Adam is here doing his fitness work,” Klopp added. “I'm not sure how you say it – he's not injured anymore but he's not fit yet. We hope still that one or two games might be possible for him. Emre is a little bit further away. His rehab is improving a lot, it is much better, but it is quote close to the end of the season.
“I haven't closed any doors on both of them. There is still a possibility to play. I take everything I can get, everything. There is no chance for the weekend, no chance for Wednesday and then maybe possible for Brighton for Adam. We have to see.”
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