Villa winger James Milner has insisted the club’s trio of wing wonders can all make the cut for England’s bid for World Cup glory next year.

Milner and Ashley Young are both in Fabio Capello’s squad for Saturday’s friendly with Brazil, while summer signing Stewart Downing – an England regular before breaking his foot in May – is closing on his claret and blue debut after returning to training.

Despite competition from the likes of David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole, Milner is optimistic all three can make the plane to South Africa.

The Villa wide man said: “We’ve got a lot of good English players here all hoping to be in that squad for the World Cup. We are all pressing for that position and the more that get in from Villa.

“You’d obviously be disappointed for the other two and pleased for yourself if you got in and they didn’t, but there is no reason why a few of us can’t go anyway.”

Milner has backed Downing, who is expected to return in December, to prove to Villa fans he was worth the wait.

The club record signing said: “It is great to have him nearly fit. He has started training again and has worked very hard to get where he is.

“Stewart is a top player. He will prove to be a great signing for us, another good addition.”