Milner’s tale could end in South Africa

FOOTBALL takes on a frenzied air in a World Cup year.

The chance, however slim, to sample life on the grandest stage football has to offer can hoist players to previously unscaled heights and James Milner is a case in point.

The Aston Villa winger is one of a clutch of footballers who can harbour genuine hopes of squeezing into Fabio Capello’s England World Cup squad and, for his team-mates at least, it is an ambition he deserves to fulfil.