At such a turbulent time for the England team, it is something of a shame that James Milner announced his international retirement after seeing just three minutes of action at Euro 2016.
Right now, interim manager Gareth Southgate could do with figures of stability, consistency and experience like Milner in his camp as the national team tries to move forward from the Sam Allardyce debacle.
Not to mention the fact that Milner, aged 30 and in his 15th season as a professional, has found the form of his life.
James Milner has impressed for Liverpool this season despite playing out of position
The 30-year-old has found his best form whilst filling in at left back for Jurgen Klopp's side
While Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have been excellent in Liverpool's impressive start to the season, most of the plaudits should go to Milner - the man who has been playing at left back.
His nerveless penalty that earned the Reds three vital points at Swansea on Saturday was his fourth of the campaign from the spot, while Milner has also contributed two assists.
It means that since he joined Liverpool from Manchester City in the summer of 2015 - for nothing, don't forget - Milner has scored 11 times and assisted in 16 goals.
Milner scored the match-winning penalty in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Swansea on Saturday
JAMES MILNER'S CV
Born: January 4, 1986 (Leeds, England)
Clubs: Leeds United, Swindon Town (loan), Newcastle United, Aston Villa (loan), Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool
League appearances: 429
League goals: 47
Cup appearances: 148
Cup goals: 22
England caps: 61
England goals: 1
Major club honours: Premier League (Manchester City - 2011-12, 2013-14), FA Cup (Manchester City - 2010-11), League Cup (Manchester City - 2013-14), Community Shield (Manchester City - 2012)
Individual honours: PFA Young Player of the Year (Aston Villa - 2009-10), PFA Team of the Year (Aston Villa - 2009-10)
It's an impressive return that compares favourably with everyone else in the squad.
And he's a lucky charm, too. Milner has never been on the losing side in a Premier League match when he has scored, a run of 44 matches for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, City and Liverpool.
Only Darius Vassell with 46 can boast a better record in the competition but, with the way Milner and Liverpool are playing right now, you can expect that to be surpassed soon.
Milner has now scored four goals for Liverpool this season, all of them from the penalty spot
Milner has never been on the losing side in a Premier League match when he has scored
However, he has been the target of a popular parody account which labels him as 'boring'
It has been easy to ridicule Milner. The usual adjective used is 'boring', perhaps because of the parody Twitter account that attracts thousands of likes and retweets for every post.
One recent post read: 'Great to score 2 penalties against Hull City today. Now to keep the party going by getting home & giving the kitchen floor a good clean.'
But Milner, the consummate professional that he is, takes it all as a compliment. You'd have to go far to find a more reliable, mature and grounded player.
Off the pitch, teetotal Milner isn't one to seek the limelight or try and attain celebrity status. He may be 'boring' in the eyes of some, but look at how it is translating into good form on the field.
Milner announced his retirement from internationals after a disappointing Euros with England
Despite his lack of action in France, Milner has now rediscovered his best form for Liverpool
It wasn't a problem for the versatile Milner when Jurgen Klopp asked him to relocate from his usual midfield station to left back. 'I will give you the best I can, the team comes first,' he told the German.
And he has taken the switch in his stride, producing consistently excellent displays in a positive opening to the season that sees Liverpool fourth in the table, just two points off City.
If Klopp's team can sustain their bright start and properly challenge for the title, then Milner's nous as a double title winner is going to prove invaluable in the dressing room.
Milner made his Premier League debut for Leeds United at the age of 16 years and 309 days
He was also awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year Award when at Aston Villa
If it seems that Milner has been around for a long time, then that's because he has.
Don't forget that he was the second-youngest to __play in the Premier League at 16 years and 309 days when he made his Leeds debut in November 2002
And, at the time, he was the league's youngest scorer when he netted against Sunderland the following month.
This is a guy who came through so early that he won 46 caps for the England Under-21 team before finally making the step up.
The former England international is now one of the most experienced players in Klopp's squad
And when he was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year Award when at Villa in 2010, he'd already completed eight seasons at the highest level.
But now, Milner appears to be moving into a brilliant new phase of his career and playing at Anfield seems to suit him perfectly.
Now without the added complication of England, Milner's 30s have great promise and, who knows, if he continues to bang in crucial goals, he may well finally shake off that 'boring' tag.
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