Fabio Capello may turn to James Milner to lift England's defence

There is no end to James Milner's versatility. It is not enough that he can play on either side of a back four, take up a post on right or left flank, impress in central midfield or act as a shadow striker. The Aston Villa player is also cut out for the diplomatic service. For a player with so much talent, there is neither conceit nor stubbornness. He is seen as a candidate for right-back in England's friendly with Egypt tomorrow and you had to listen attentively to make out the faintest hint of an objection. "When I played there for Villa it was when we were 1-0 down and chasing the game, so I was more of a wing-back," he said. Milner may be the embodiment of Fabio Capello's ideal footballer. In addition to natural talent, Milner possessed the industriousness to make sure that he became two-footed. It is uncommon for someone with his innate talent to have so much diligence. There is, too, a resilience about him. England are based at the same hotel used by Villa before Sunday's defeat by Manchester United in the Carling Cup. Milner trudged straight back there with only a change of room to refresh him, yet he seems to have stowed away the disappointment because of his hopes of establishing himself with England. He leaves no one in doubt over the post he craves. "I think centre suits my game," Milner said. "I can use my work rate and get around the pitch and influence the game. When you are wide, sometimes you have to be patient and wait for the ball but that's part of the role." Considering Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and others it will be a hard area for anyone else to claim a berth. Nonetheless, Capello will see the value in the technique and relative youth of a 24-year-old. Milner is a model squad member and joined others in closing ranks over Ryan Shawcross, another member of the party, whose challenge broke Aaron Ramsey's leg when Stoke played Arsenal on Saturday. "He goes in hard but does not have a [violent] thought in his mind," said Milner of the uncapped defender. "He seems a very sound lad and hopefully he will get over it quickly. Sometimes things like that can shake you a little. He's a bit quiet but then everyone is quiet when they first come anyway. I'm sure it helped getting back out on the training ground." The note of concern must infuriate Arsenal fans who know who the real casualty was at the weekend, but Capello will be impressed by a footballer with such instinctive loyalty to a member of his own squad.