World Cup glory on the way for Villa stars?

On the eve of their crucial Carling Cup semi-final, Martin O’Neill told Aston Villa fans that they have never had it so good.
 
It’s hard to dispute that after the incredible manner in which they disposed of Blackburn Rovers to march on to their first Wembley final in ten years.
 
O’Neill’s side needed to show great spirit and composure to come from behind and clinch victory.
 
To do it by hammering in six goals must have beyond the wildest dreams of even their esteemed manager.
 
What is most remarkable about their memorable win is that they registered five different goal scorers – all of whom were English!   
 
Who could have ever imagined witnessing that occurrence in an era when foreign players dominate the top flight?
 
O’Neill deserves great credit for putting together a team with a strong backbone of English talent.
 
Of the seven English players, which started last Wednesday’s game, six have been capped by national boss Fabio Capello.
 
If Villa can continue to play like they did against Blackburn then they should all have realistic hopes of boarding the plane for the World Cup Finals this summer.
 
Ashley Young and James Milner are the golden boys that make The Villains tick.
 
When those two are on song, then Villa are a match for anyone.
 
Ask Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool who have all been beaten by O’Neill’s side this season.
 
With the positions on the wing in the national team far from settled, Young and Milner will both feel they are entitled at a shot in the starting eleven for England’s upcoming friendly fixtures.
 
Stuart Downing is also a favourite of Capello’s and will be hoping to force his way back into the national picture after successfully recovering from a troublesome foot injury.
 
Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor are both beginning to look more and more like the finished article under O’Neill’s tutorship.
 
If either were to consistently get amongst the goals between now and the end of the season then they would have to be considered for a place in Capello’s side.
 
And if the Italian decides to pick some cover for first choice left-back Ashley Cole, then he could do a lot worse than Neil Warnock who has been a picture of consistency at Villa Park this season.    
 
It’s great to see a team of predominantly English players reach a cup final. Many of Villa’s stars will be hoping they can help the national team do the same this summer.
 
Do any of Villa’s Carling Cup heroes deserve a place in the England team? How will they fare in next month’s final? Leave your opinion below.

Joe Elvin