Aston Villa winger James Milner is happy to enjoy the benefits from being teetotal.

Milner has been outstanding for England U21 this week and said: "Being teetotal was a decision I made when I was younger. Drink never really appealed to me. You get one chance at football.

"There's nothing wrong with having a drink at the right times. There are plenty of players who have a drink and choose to do it at the right times.

"That is absolutely fine. But for me, I have one chance and don't need it.

"I'm sure there are plenty of players who drink who are top-class players.

"You see Ronaldo having champagne and it doesn't make him a worse player. He does it at the right times, not the night before games. It's when he has a chance to do it.

"It's just a decision I made. It's not in my nature. When you've never had it, you don't miss it.

"When you're growing up and your friends are going out, that is the sacrifice you make to reach the top.

"Your friends are going with girls and drinking cider - it's a decision you make. You get the odd person asking if you want one but your mates know why you do it."