Villa star James Milner today warned England’s young stars they still have work to do to reach the finals of the under-21s European Championships.
Stuart Pearce’s men claimed a 3-2 win in the first leg of their qualification play-off with Wales in Cardiff last night.
But Milner says the players cannot relax with the second leg at Villa Park to come on Tuesday.
“Last night was a massive game for us that was always going to be tough with the crowd behind them in the first leg,” said Milner.
“It was important that we matched them and we showed the character we have in our squad after going a goal down.
“We got back on top and stayed on top for most of the first half and got two goals so it was disappointing to then concede a second.
“The manager told us it is nowhere near done and we all knew that anyway.
“It was a great result for us but they showed what a good team they are because we conceded one goal all through the group and yet they scored two past us.
“We will be aware of that but we will prepare as best we can for Tuesday night and hopefully play.
“We know they have got quality and they will have it again on Tuesday but hopefully we will be playing against 11 on Tuesday and not 12 with the crowd.”
England had Milner’s Villa team mate, Gabby Agbonlahor, to thank for scoring the winner at Ninian Park after they had trailed 1-0 and led 2-1 at Ninian Park.
“We were disappointed with the goals we conceded because we were looking for a clean sheet but that is play-off football and it happens in big games,” said Milner.
“It shows what quality they have got as well.
“It was a good game to be involved with and by no means is the job done.”
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