Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has backed Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor for England's World Cup squad.

Petrov told Press Association Sport: "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."

Bulgarian star Petrov has no doubt Young and Agbonlahor are at the right stage of their careers to do their country proud.

"They would be ready for the World Cup if they are picked," he said. "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."