Source: Team_Talk
Milner sets sights on silverware
James Milner wants to end his career with a haul of medals and hopes England can emulate the country's cricketers by winning the World Cup.[LNB] Aston Villa midfielder Milner has been the subject of a £20million bid from Manchester City which was rejected by the midlands club.[LNB]The 24-year-old is due to have talks with Villa over a new contract and is content to put his own future on ice to help England in South Africa.[LNB]But there is no doubting his desire to win trophies and to follow on from the Twenty20 cricket success of Paul Collingwood's team in the Caribbean would be ideal for cricket follower Milner.[LNB]Milner said: "Do I want to win things in my career? Definitely. That is what I am in football to do, to win trophies.[LNB]"That is my number one aim and, whether that's for club or country, you hopefully want to achieve it.[LNB]"I want to finish my career, go into my trophy room and see medals - and winners medals - and be as successful as I possibly can.[LNB]"Does England's Twenty20 Cup success set the tone for the players? I watched the final and I was delighted to see England win it and I thought they deserved it. They played very well.[LNB]"I am a big fan. I would love to play in the summer. I have been tempted a few times but, if I break a toe from being on the end of yorker, I don't think Martin O'Neill will be too happy with that.[LNB]"I know Steve Harmison and Ian Bell, Harmison from when I was up at Newcastle and Belly is a big Villa fan.[LNB]"It was a good start for English sport in the summer and it would be nice if there were two Worlds Cups in the England trophy cabinet by the end of the summer."[LNB]Milner senses an extra determination to impress Fabio Capello given that seven players will be axed from his provisional squad of 30 for the World Cup.[LNB]He said: "Everyone knows that is the score before they come and everyone knows that is going to happen.[LNB]"Everyone wants to be in the final 23 and the only way you can do that is by performing in the games and at training every day.[LNB]"You are being watched all the time, how you are in the hotel, and around the hotel, and if you are a good traveller because you are going to be a way a long time. All these little things add up and you just hope you are selected."[LNB]Milner is the most capped player for England at Under-21 level and hopes that experience will benefit him if he avoids being part of Capello's cull on June 1.[LNB]He said: "The England Under-21 experiences will help a lot in preparing for the World Cup.[LNB]"Of course, everything is on a bigger scale, the World Cup is the biggest competition you can play in, every young kid dreams of playing in the World Cup for their country.[LNB]"But the Under-21s and the England youth set-up is geared to giving you that experience and to prepare if you are lucky to make that last step up to the seniors and can play in a major tournament.[LNB]"It helps you prepare for what tournament football is all about, being away from home, playing games in quick succession, recovering, being together as a squad for a long time.[LNB]"All these things will help me, having played in three junior European Championships."
