England v Azerbaijan
UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Group 6 Qualifiers
7.45pm, 29 March 2005 
Middlesbrough FC

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James Milner will not let his ambition of a quick ascent to the full England squad deflect from the importance of the Under-21 side's revenge mission against Azerbaijan at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old Newcastle star admits he has been encouraged by 'Boro winger Stewart Downing's achievement in forcing his way into the reckoning under Sven-Goran Eriksson this season.

But Milner's memories of a bad night in Baku earlier this season have ensured that for the time being at least he has his mind firmly focused on securing a European Championship qualifying victory.

Milner, who will play tomorrow despite needing six stitches in a head wound following Friday's draw with Germany, said: "Stewart has shown how quickly it can be done and he is the example for all of us.

"But we have got to go out there tomorrow having prepared right and no-one will be taking them lightly."

The Azeris' ability to frustrate England for a goalless draw in Baku in October provided their first and only point in Group Six so far and denied Peter Taylor's men the top place in Group Six on goal difference, with Germany leading the way.

But sitting three points above third-placed Poland, England remain firm favourites to reach the next stage of the competition.

Milner added: "With the players we have in the squad we should win but we have to make sure we don't get frustrated and don't start panicking.

"They stuck men behind the ball and defended really well out there but this time the pitch will be on our side and it is important we get out of the traps and take our chances."

A late error by goalkeeper Scott Carson denied England a morale-boosting victory over the Germans in a 2-2 draw at Hull on Friday night.

But Taylor's men are paying an even bigger price for that clash with injuries and suspensions severely depleting the coach's defensive options.

Captain Gary O'Neil has returned to his club Portsmouth after coming off significantly worse in his accidental collision with Milner and requiring 26 stitches.

Bolton defender Nicky Hunt is ruled out with a dead-leg and Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson misses out through suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the qualifying programme on Friday.

Milner is clearly relishing the opportunity to gain his 10th cap and paid tribute to Taylor, who this week confirmed he would be extending his Under-21 contract for a further year.

Milner believes the team spirit which Taylor has created amongst his squad provides one of the key factors in his side's march to the brink of sealing a top two place.

He added: "Peter has got a great record and great experience and that is the main thing because we are still learning.

"We are only together for a short time but we have a great team spirit. It shows when you are under the cosh in games like Germany and you are one down but you pull through.

"We got the two quick goals back and if we didn't have that kind of team spirit and togetherness we could have gone on to lose 3-0."

To book tickets for the game at the Riverside Stadium against Azerbaijan on Tuesday night call the Middlesbrough hotline on 0870 421 1986.