Monday 6 June 2016 21:59, UK
![Reid would start Wayne Rooney [L] and James Milner [R] in his England line-up](https://e0.365dm.com/16/06/768x432/wayne-rooney-james-milner-england_3477358.jpg?20160606084309)
James Milner says it is imperative England avoid defeat in their opening game at the Euro 2016 against Russia on Saturday.
Roy Hodgson's squad begin their campaign in Marseille, with Milner claiming a draw is the least England must achieve in their first fixture in Group B.
"What I've learned more than anything is: Don't lose your first game, whatever happens," Milner said.
"It's great to win it and get off to a flying start but if you can't get that win, make sure you are solid and don't concede late on looking for the winner.
"Make sure you get a solid start, at least a draw, because as soon as you lose that first game in a three-game group you put yourselves under pressure straight away. That's the biggest thing."
Milner also suggested it was unwise to take England's recent friendly performance against Portugal too seriously, despite Chris Smalling's late winner at Wembley.
Milner, commenting on recent friendly encounters against Turkey, Australia and Portugal, added: "We've had three wins out of three against different, but difficult, opposition without playing our best football.
"We've got gears to go through and we want to peak at the tournament.
"We can play a variety of formations, there are players with so many different strengths - pace, trickery, solid players and more defensive-minded players - so I think as a squad we've got so many options."
Wales and Slovakia are England's other opponents in Group B.
