James Milner: Slovenia win was one of my favourite games

James Milner says England's last game against Slovenia was one of his most favourite for the Three Lions.

The Manchester City midfielder featured in both previous meetings with Saturday's European Qualifying opponents, and remembers the game at the World Cup in 2010 fondly.

Milner's second appearance at senior level was against Slovenia at Wembley in 2009, then the following year they came head-to-head once again in a must-win match in Port Elizabeth.

"It was probably one of my favourite games for England," said the 28-year-old. "There was a lot of pressure on it. 

"The first game of the World Cup, against USA, I started. I'd been in bed ill for five days before that, I didn't see any of the lads and wasn't allowed to come down for dinner or lunch. 

"I started the game anyway, the manager asked me if I was OK, and I said 'yes'. I got a booking early on, and he thought it was right to bring me off after half-an-hour.

"That was my first game in a World Cup. I didn't play the second game, and if it ended there I would have been devastated." 

He continued: "But I was lucky enough to get the nod for the third game. We had to get the win against Slovenia to go through. 

"I played and managed to set Jermain Defoe up for the goal. 

"To have to win in such a high-pressure game, in a World Cup, and set-up the goal that won it for us was special, and definitely one of my favourite games." 

Milner and captain Wayne Rooney are the only two remaining members of the England squad from that game four years ago.

However, though there will be many changes in the teams at Wembley on Saturday, he says that after a week of preparation at St. George's Park, they are ready for the visitors.

Milner set up Defoe's winner at the 2010 World Cup

"Through the week we've worked on what we want to improve on, then towards the end of the week we look at the opposition; their strengths and weaknesses, any players we need to look at, set-pieces, things they do well, things they don't do too well and how we can combat and exploit it. 

"It's very thorough, we know what we are coming up against, and have prepared very well. We're ready and it's down to us to break them down and hopefully get a good result." 

"They are a good team, have some good players and move the ball very well. They are more than good enough to come out and have a go at us, so it depends whether they choose to do that or if they are happy to sit back, try to keep a clean-sheet and hit us on the break. 

"We're at Wembley, it's down to us to play like we know we can, and if we do that we'll get the result." 

Milner's second England game was against Slovenia

Since Milner made his senior debut in August 2009 no other player has featured more for England.

He's now made 51 appearances for the Three Lions and says he'll play anywhere to get more game-time and help the cause. 

"I've been in a lot of squads, touch-wood I've been fortunate with injuries, so hopefully I can keep contributing to the side," he said. 

"I'm one of the older players now, so my role has changed slightly. 

"I can play different positions, which isn't easy at times - you do what's best for the team. Sometimes it's a blessing, and sometimes it makes life harder for me." 

Milner added: "I'll just do whatever I'm asked to do, I just want to play as much as I can, contribute as much as I can and look back on my career and think that I got the most out of it and been the best I could be."