Fifa World Cup news: O'Neill backs Downing and Young to replace Beckham
15/03/2010
Martin O'Neill has said that David Beckham's injury could open the door for two of his youngsters to win selection for the Fifa World Cup.
Beckham's snapped Achilles tendon will keep him out of the tournament in South Africa, with medics at his club side AC Milan suggesting that the midfielder is likely to be out for around five to six months.
While it is not known whether or not England boss Fabio Capello would have included former Manchester United star in his Fifa World Cup plans is unknown, but Aston Villa boss O'Neill has already suggested two ideal replacements.
He said that both Stewart Downing and Ashley Young are more than capable of filling Beckham's boots.
"My own view is that Ashley can play there very well indeed," O'Neill remarked, adding that the same can be said of Downing.
And he went on to point out that James Milner is also "in a great position to go", thanks to his versatility.
Posted by Katie Leake