Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill hopes striker Gabby Agbonlahor gets an England start in their friendly against Germany.

Villa boss O'Neill, who takes his side to Arsenal today, said: "I've no reservations whatsoever about Gabby taking his club form on to the international stage if he's selected.

"And the same goes for Ashley Young. England are going along really well, with some really outstanding players and an outstanding manager who is guiding them towards the World Cup finals.

"So breaking into that squad is not going to easy for anyone - and why should it be?

"But I have often told Gabby and Ashley the time they want to be really ready is when that plane takes off for South Africa in 2010. And I'm sure that when that time comes they will both be on it."