Luke Young has turned down the chance to replace Glen Johnson in the England squad for this weekend’s game against Brazil.
The Aston Villa defender has rejected the opportunity to join Fabio Capello’s squad after Johnson withdrew because of an injury picked up in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham City on Monday.
Young first informed the FA of his intention to retire from international football before the Spain friendly in February, however, it is thought an inquiry was made as to whether the Villa defender would change his mind.
Andy Evans, Young’s agent, confirmed the news and said that his client had made the decision in order to prolong his career with Villa.
The 30-year-old has started only once for Villa since the death of his 17-year-old brother Andre in Crete in August. Young was granted compassionate leave by Martin O’Neill, the Villa manager, after his brother’s death, but the player admitted the minute’s silence for Remembrance Day before Villa’s 5-1 win over Bolton Wanderers had brought it all back.
Advertisement
“It was quite emotional,” he said. “In the first few weeks after what happened I didn’t really want to do anything. It was really tough. Then you come in and train hard and it gives you something else to think about. Now it’s a long-time gone and I’m ready to focus on my football.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic defender won seven caps for England, with his last appearance coming against Argentina in 2005. The development leaves Wes Brown as England’s only recognised right back in the squad for the friendly in Qatar.