The incredible statistic behind James Milner’s England career following his international retirement on Friday
Liverpool's versatile midfielder holds an impressive record despite often being the scapegoat for Three Lions fans' anger
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JAMES MILNER called time on his England career on Friday, aged just 30 - but what do the rest of his numbers tell us?
The versatile Liverpool midfielder claimed it was time for him to step aside and give youth a chance in his now-vacant spot.
Milner said: “Over the last couple of years with the England team I have not really played too much.
“With the good young players we have coming through, it is pointless me taking up a spot just because I am reliable.
“I am fortunate to have been involved in international football since I was 17 or 18 without stopping.
“I was with the Under-21s and went through so I have played more than 100 games.
“I’ve been to four tournaments but if a younger guy had come in and maybe done the same job at Euro 2016, he would have taken a lot more from it than I [did].”
Despite him calling it quits, citing lack of need for him these days, Milner holds a seriously impressive statistic during his England career.
Since making his international debut in 2009 - coming on as a 67th-minute substitute against Holland - the Reds ace played 61 times for the Three Lions.
As stellar as that as over just a seven-year span, it's all the more mind-boggling when you take into consideration that only TWO England stars have played more in that period.
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Only skipper Wayne Rooney and long-term No1 goalkeeper Joe Hart have more - at 63 and 62 respectively.
Meanwhile, Gary Cahill has earned the fourth most caps in that period, streets behind at 47.
Former Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson sit on 40 and 39 respectively, while Phil Jagielka has earned 36.
Theo Walcott and Frank Lampard have accumulated 35 during those seven years, while Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Cole round off the top ten, joint on 34 apiece.
So, before you make Milner your scapegoat for yet another England failure at a major tournament, perhaps remember how well the Reds midfielder has served his country.
As new Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce said: “James can be proud of his seven-year career as a senior England player.”