Former Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis is backing James Milner to have a big performance for England against Germany today.

Ellis, now life president of Villa, expects him to be on the winning side again in Bloemfontein.

"He is such a good lad," the 86-year-old told the Express & Star while speaking at the official opening of the Doug Ellis Sports Centre at Birmingham City University's Perry Bar campus.

"He was my man of the man of the match on Wednesday. He's a brilliant talent and is getting everything he deserves. He has done club and country proud and will do so again.

"It's going to be one hell of a game and I think we'll beat Germany. We'll have too much. I don't think you can compare these teams with those from 1966 because it's a different time but I've got my fingers crossed for the same outcome!"