Midfielder James Milner says England have enough strength to cope with recent injuries

James Milner insists England will not be affected by defensive injury problems when they face San Marino and Montenegro over the next seven days.

Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Cahill all pulled out of Roy Hodgson's initial squad, and the Three Lions boss subsequently called up Joleon Lescott, Steven Taylor and Steven Caulker.

England can reclaim top spot in Group H if they win both fixtures and Milner has backed the recently called-up trio to shine.

When asked if the absences of Cahill, Ferdinand and Dawson will affect England, the Manchester City man said: "We've lost a few players to injury and things like that, but there's a lot of quality still in the squad and a lot of experience.

"Joleon has come in - he's played a lot of games for England and he's a top player as well.

!A couple of younger lads, the two Stevens, have come in, so it's great for them. They're both playing well, otherwise they wouldn't be here. I don't think it will be too much of a problem."

Lescott has not been a regular at the Etihad Stadium this season but Milner insists his club colleague is "ready to go" for England.

He added: "I see Joleon day in, day out, the work he puts in in the gym, keeping himself right. He's always ready to go with the attitude he has. Whenever he's played for City this year he's been top notch."

Meanwhile, former Under-21 star Taylor is in line for his full international debut and Milner believes his old Newcastle team-mate deserves to make his senior bow.

Milner said: "He's [Taylor] been having a good season so he's earned his place in the squad."