Milner Wants A Winner's Medal
Last updated : 19 June 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
Players "running riot", refusing to answer mobile phones when Pearce is checking up on them, and trouble after the Serbia game in the tunnel.
BUT ... England continue winning and winning, and Wednesday sees them in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship.
Newcastle winger James Milner prepares for tomorrow's showdown with Holland in Heerenveen, and he is confident they can secure a place in Saturday's final. With a big chance it could be mighty grudge match against Serbia, who they played and beat last Sunday.
The winger won his 27th Under-21 cap against Serbia, and is only behind team-mate Scott Carson in the all-time England appearance list.
Along with team-mate Steven Taylor, the winger will be ordered to take an extended break once the competition has ended, and the pair will be used sparingly during the club's pre-season campaign.
Although, saying that, the pre-season so far only consists of three games:
Tuesday 17th July 2007
Friendly
Hartlepool v Newcastle 19.30
Saturday 21st July 2007
Friendly
Carlisle Utd v Newcastle 15.00
Thursday 26th July 2007
Friendly
Newcastle v Celtic 19.45
Milner started 46 first-team games for the Magpies last term - more than anyone else at the club.
James Milner: "We know how we can play and if we play anything like that, I'm sure we can go all the way. I don't think you've seen the best of us yet. We're unbeaten all season and we've been grinding out results when we haven't played as we can. There's more to come from us.
"It will be tough. Holland are the home nation and have the crowd, which is like an extra man. It will be a difficult game."
Sam Allardyce: "I want them to have a good rest. I know they will say they don't want a rest when they get back but my job is to manage Newcastle United's players correctly and take charge of their training programme and schedule, and that's what I'll be doing. They are both very passionate about this football club, but it will be for the best of us all that they recharge their batteries."