Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph admits doubts over his career as he battled to overcome knee problems.

Even though he's only 25, Delph's England breakthrough has been a long time coming, and looked a long way off after a series of potentially career-threatening injuries.

He said: "I wouldn't say my career was ever on the line. But at one point it was, 'Is he ever going to get back to his best?' There were questions.

"The first season at Villa I ruptured my ACL. I had bad medial damage and tore my lateral meniscus. Then I got back and I think I broke down about four times.

"Then I did my medial again, the other medial on the other knee. Then the knees were done and it was to my ankles then - the left ankle, right ankle a few times. It was a rollercoaster ride for me.

"It definitely made me stronger. It made me realise how much it takes to play at a high level and to physically be strong. I worked really hard in the gym to overcome it."