MILNER CAN MAKE THE PLANE TO SOUTH AFRICA

THERE were very few genuine positives to take from England's friendly defeat to Brazil.

A largely meaningless fixture saw several fringe performers fail to grab their time in the limelight with any relish in the same manner as Villarreal striker Nilmar did for Brazil.

It would be wrong to dismiss the claims of the likes of Darren Bent on one performance when he was totally starved of any service.

But one player continues to at least display the sort of enthusiasm and character that could serve his country well in South Africa.

It is not difficult to put your finger on what James Milner brings to the mix with England.

It is sheer enthusiasm and a delight in wearing the Three Lions on his jersey.

Milner was probably not amongst the best players on the pitch on Saturday in Doha but he worked hard and looked to make the most of his first start for Fabio Capello's side.

When he saw a well-controlled volley fly over the bar in one of the precious few openings created last weekend, his face said it all.

It was as though Milner thought a goal, an equaliser against mighty Brazil no less, would enable him to take a massive step towards being part of Capello's World Cup squad.

The chance came and went in the blink of an eye.

But Milner should not despair.

His cameo appearance as a substitute in the win against Belarus saw him come even closer to finding the net when his jinking run ended with a shot that crashed against the inside of the far post.

Being unlucky in front of goal will not cost the Aston Villa winger a place in South Africa.

What has been impressive is his tireless running and boundless enthusiasm and yet, when presented with opportunities, he has shown a relaxed air that contrasts starkly with his efforts elsewhere on the pitch.

Most of all, dare I say it, Milner actually looks pleased as punch to play for England and determined to grab the chance with both hands.

Perhaps some of the stars who have had success thrust upon them so quickly do not give the impression that representing their country is everything to them.

Milner does just that. The Yorkshireman broke the record for England Under-21 caps and certainly served his apprenticeship at that level. There was no fast-tracking straight into the senior party, even though he has been playing in the Premier League since he was 16.

The 23-year-old is one of those players who is sweating on earning a place in Capello's final squad.

If attitude and application are key assets for the Italian then expect the wide man to be on that plane to South Africa. It will be what he deserves for bringing back a wide-eyed enthusiasm to playing in the white shirt.

• MILNER ENJOYING THE QUIET LIFE

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