DONETSK: Midfielder James Milner (pic, left) is confident England defence will be strong enough to shut out the threat of his Manchester City teammate Mario Balotelli when the Three Lions take on Italy in the Euro 2012 quarter-final on Sunday.

Balotelli has struggled to make a major impact at the tournament thus far, although he did open his goal-scoring account with a stunning volley against Republic of Ireland to cement Italy's place in the last eight.

However, Milner is confident with the likes of Joleon Lescott and John Terry in such commanding form, Balotelli is set to endure another frustrating evening.

"City players might give Balotelli a bit of banter," he said. "It was good to see him score the other night but I think the boys at the back have been outstanding so far in this tournament.

"Lescott has been like that all season for City and now he is doing it for England as well. He knows Balotelli well. He trains with him every day and I'm sure he will keep him quiet.

"He is a danger but he is one of many. They have a lot of good players in their team. We have to make sure we don't just concentrate on him and we will do our homework and try to perform well."

Milner also shed some light on the "wild" world of the former Inter Milan striker.

"There are two Balotellis," he said.

"There is one who sometimes turns up in training and it is a bit cold and he is not too interested. The other time he really wants it and he is a special talent. He is a top player and we know that but the lads have been brilliant at the back.

"I'm sure they will continue to do that and hopefully we will cause them a few problems the other way."

Milner's own performances in this tournament have been the subject of some criticism, with his industrious displays failing to convince many that he merits a place in the side ahead of the more spectacular wingers at coach Roy Hodgson's disposal.

Milner, however, is more than happy to perform a more functional role, as long as it continues to yield impressive results.

"I'm willing to play wherever the coach picks me. I think I play my best football in the middle but if I play wide, I'll do it to the best of my ability and follow his instructions," he said.

"He hasn't been in the job long and he plays a different style to the previous coach and wants us tucked in, compact and tight and makes us difficult to beat, and it has worked so far."


- mD