England

v

Austria

 

 

UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier
Leeds United FC, Elland Road
7.45pm, Friday 7 October 2005

Under-21s Head Coach Peter Taylor is hoping England's former Leeds United stars can help his team to victory over Austria at Elland Road on Friday night.

Although a play-off place is already in the bag for the Three Lions, six points from their last two games against the Austrians then Poland on Tuesday could secure top spot in Group Six.

England will want to give themselves the best chance of reaching the finals next May, and Taylor suggests that the return of James Milner, Scott Carson and Aaron Lennon to Elland Road will get the crowd right behind them.

"There will definitely be three players from Leeds involved and it will be a cracking atmosphere, there's no doubt," he said.

Milner, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, is looking forward to going back to the place he learned his trade before leaving in a July 2004 move to Newcastle.

"I'm a Leeds fan and it's good to see them have a good start to the season," he said.

"I was there since I was 10 or 11 and saw them in Champions League games, hopefully those great times will return, everyone knows the club belongs in the Premiership.

Milner is also relishing the opportunity to play with a couple of his former team-mates, including Spurs' winger Aaron Lennon: "He's been in the England youth teams before which helps him come into this squad because he knows how it works.

``He's a fantastic player, it's great playing with him again and I enjoy playing with him.

He added: "He's very sharp, the ball will come in to him and he'll spin and then he's gone before you know it. All he needs is half a yard and he can get past you.

"Hopefully we can both play a part in a win for England."

Scott Carson, was also quick to heap praise on Lennon who was called up to the squad on Monday: "It was only a matter of time. He's in terrific form for Tottenham now," he said.

"It's good to see the lads here and hopefully we'll all start and have a good game."