Stiliyan Petrov says his Aston Villa team-mates Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor deserve to go to the World Cup finals with England. The Bulgarian said: "Both Gabby and Ashley deserve to be in there with England - but don't forget England have great players.

"They are battling; they want to be there. They are pushing for their places in the England squad to go to the World Cup - and they will be doing it all season.

"They deserve to be there. They have a manager (Capello) who will ultimately decide, but I think they are putting their names forward every single time the squad is announced."

Petrov added: "They would be ready for the World Cup if they are picked.

"They perform very well every single week in one of the best leagues in the world - so why not?

"They are still young and, with the ability they have, they are such exciting players.

"They will make sure they work for it."