Roy Hodgson: 'James Milner important for England'

England manager Roy Hodgson has claimed that James Milner will play a pivotal role in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

The Three Lions go to Kiev at the top of Group H on goal difference following Friday's 4-0 thrashing of Moldova at Wembley Stadium.

"We know what James will do," Hodgson is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He isn't, and doesn't pretend to be, as exciting as some of the wingers we sometimes use these days.

"After a long period of time where I've not seen many wingers in the country, I'm now seeing lots of them. But we are going to need experience in Kiev. Milner is not a winger, but the qualities he brings could be very useful."

England will be without Danny Welbeck for the encounter at the Olympic Stadium after the striker picked up his second yellow card of qualification against Moldova.