Former Villa and England striker Stan Collymore has voiced his fear Luke Young has made the wrong decision by staying in international retirement.

Villa right-back Young told the FA last season he no longer wanted to be considered for England duty but was contacted to find out whether he remained unavailable ahead of Saturday’s Brazil friendly, after Glen Johnson was forced to pull out.

Young’s agent, Andy Evans, is understood to have informed the FA that the player – capped seven times by his country – would not be tempted out of retirement.

Collymore, who won three England caps, believes the player has blown a chance of going to the World Cup.

The former striker said: “I think it is the wrong decision. We have seen instances in the past where footballers have been called in as fourth or fifth pick but have gone on in some cases to have very successful international careers.

“In World Cup year I would have thought it was a fantastic opportunity for him to at least put himself in Fabio Capello’s thoughts. So obviously I am disappointed – especially as there should be a relatively big Villa contingent in the squad.

“I think he may regret retiring, but players seem to be making these hasty decisions about their international careers more regularly.”