Villa boss thinks Ashley Young and Stewart Downing can replace David Beckham

With David Beckham out of this summer’s World Cup, there is now an extra spot available for a winger, in Fabio Capello’s final 23 for South Africa.

There are a wholes host of players in the running, including Shaun Wright-Phillips, Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson, although Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill believes the best option for Capello is to include Villa duo Stewart Downing and Ashley Young.

James Milner is one Villa player who seems a certainty for the final 23, and his manager at club level said:

"I don't know what the England manager had in mind, whether he was going to take David Beckham or not to the World Cup.

"The news coming out of the England camp suggests that he was - and therefore it is a blow. He has been a very good player for quite some considerable time.

"On the other hand, as you say, if there is an opportunity there, we have one or two players who actually play and can excel in that position.

"I've heard that James Milner is in a great position to go, one of the reasons being he can play well in a number of positions.

"When you've got a couple of all-purpose players in your squad, that would suit any manager.

"As for the position wide right, there must be three or four candidates that have got a strong chance. My own view is that Ashley can play there very well indeed.

"Stewart Downing can play there very well indeed. I don't know what the thoughts are (of Capello) but there is still time."

To Make England World Cup Squad (Bet365.com)

James Milner – 1/8
Stewart Downing – 6/4
Ashley Young – 10/3