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Milner to get defensive chance

Cape Town - Manchester City midfielder James Milner will once again underline his versatility by turning out at right-back for England when they face Ecuador in a World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old, who has played in a variety of positions for both club and country over the years, will have a chance to show he is a realistic option should Roy Hodgson seek an alternative to incumbent Glen Johnson. "James will play right-back against Ecuador. He's got the qualities to play there. There may be moments in the World Cup where we'd like to use him there," commented Hodgson.

"This will give him some experience of that position. He's in the squad as a right or left-sided midfield player and that's where we see him mostly, but it will be interesting to see how he gets on at right-back."

Milner is expected to feature in an all-new back four, with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones set to start in the centre of defence, with youngster Luke Shaw filling the left-back berth.
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