Milner - More to come

James Milner: Impressed by Roy Hodgson and confident England will keep improving

James Milner has paid tribute to Roy Hodgson for making England hard to beat and insists the best is yet to come as the players continue to adjust to his methods.

Hodgson was only named permanent manager at the start of May and there were muted expectations about whether he would be able to make an immediate impact at Euro 2012.

However, the Three Lions came through a tricky-looking Group D in top spot with seven points, having drawn with France and beaten Sweden and Ukraine.

Italy lie in wait in the quarter-finals but Milner is in confident mood and says performances will continue to improve the longer England stay in the tournament.

"The gaffer hasn't been in the job long and he plays a different style to the previous manager," said Milner.

Spirit

"He wants us tucked in, compact and tight and to be difficult to beat and it has worked so far.

"I think Ukraine were on top first half against us and we didn't get into our stride, but it showed the spirit and determination and the organisation of the team to restrict them to long shots.

"There is still more to come from the team. The manager only came in just before the tournament and we had injuries during the build-up.

"The lads have done a great job and, the longer we are together and with the manager, we will get better."