Having been named as captain for England’s Breast Cancer Care international against the Netherlands, James Milner says he’s looking forward to passing on his experience to the younger members of the side.
Only four of the starting XI from Saturday’s victory over world champions Germany had more than 10 caps to their names.
England v Netherlands
Breast Cancer Care international
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
8pm Tuesday 29 March
Live on ITV
And Milner, who will make his 58th appearance for the Three Lions tonight, says he’s excited about the chance to play his part in helping to develop the new generation.
“To get the chance to lead out your country is obviously a massive honour and something that you'll never forget,” the 30 year-old told the media from the squad’s Hertfordshire base.
“Seeing how much quality is coming through, it's important that we – the likes of me, Gaz (Gary Cahill), Wayne [Rooney], Harty (Joe Hart) and Jags (Phil Jagielka) – set those examples and we help them along as much as we can.
“It's a big step up, playing for England, and a lot comes with it. I think that the better environment we can make for them and feel them feel comfortable, the easier it will be for them to pull on that England shirt and go out and play football.
“The way they've stepped in and just got on with the job has made that step up look so easy. There is a great mix of experience and youth, and there's a lot of quality there.”
England trained at Tottenham's Enfield base ahead of tonight's game
