James Milner: 'Heat is not an issue for England'

England midfielder James Milner has claimed that the conditions in Manaus cannot be used as an excuse ahead of their World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday.

The heat and humidity is expected to be a challenge for both sets of players in the Group D clash, but Milner believes that England's pre-tournament preparations have armed them fully for the test against Cesare Prandelli's side.

"Going to Portugal and the work we have done there, going to Miami and training here, it has been very hot but the lads are more used to it now than they were before," the Manchester City midfielder told supporters at a Q&A session. "I think it is getting pretty normal.

"We are getting to the stage where we are more worried about the cold when we go back to England and play the first game there. We are very prepared for the heat and we have done everything we can do to be prepared as possible, so that shouldn't be an issue, really."

Gary Cahill has also backed England's preparations ahead of the meeting with Italy.