Villa defender: Emile and I were right to turn our backs on England
Published 16:26 12/10/10 By James Nursey
Aston Villa star Luke Young insists he and Emile Heskey were both right to retire from England duty.
Villa full-back Young, 31, shocked boss Fabio Capello by spurning a call-up last season and quitting from the international game before the World Cup.
Club-mate Heskey, 32, has since also retired after returning from England's disappointing showing in South Africa.
And Young, capped seven times, believes Villa are benefiting from their decisions as the pair have both been in good form this term.
Young said: "If I was to turn up for an international squad and asked to train full pelt on a Monday to try and prove I should be in the side, it's not great for my body.
"I have a few knocks and stuff. It takes a couple of days to get over. I have gone through all that England stuff before.
"When you're approaching our age - and Emile recently called it a day as well - it's generally about recovering after games.
"Because nowadays with how fast and physical this Premier League is, it takes its toll. I think Emile will benefit from that as well."
