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It has emerged that Fabio Capello attempted to call up Luke Young to replace the injured Glen Johnson in the England squad to take on Brazil on Saturday, but it has come to light that the defender has in fact retired from international football.
According to the Aston Villa player’s agent, Young informed the Football Association last season that he would no longer be available for selection.
Young was named in Capello’s squad to play Spain in February but pulled out at the time due to a toe injury. It has now become known that he informed the FA of his retirement at this time, although it has only become public knowledge now.
It is reported that Capello made an inquiry as to the availability of Young for Saturday’s upcoming game, but that the defender declined the opportunity.
The former Tottenham, Charlton, and Middlesbrough fullback has only just returned to first team action for Aston Villa after being granted compassionate leave by manager Martin O’Neill after the death of his younger brother this summer.
The 30 year-old made won seven caps in total for the Three Lions, all in 2005 under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
He made his debut on the summer tour at the end of the 2004-2005 season, appearing as a substitute in wins against USA and Colombia.
His first start came at the start of the very next season when he lined up against Wales in a World Cup Qualifier at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Young kept his place in the side for the next three qualifiers before lining up against Argentina in a famous 3-2 friendly win in Geneva in November 2005. This would turn out to be his final appearance for the Three Lions.
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