By Dan Harrison

Emile Heskey believes Villa can provide the backbone to a new-look England team.

With a shake-up expected of the Three Lions squad after a disappointing World Cup campaign, the likes of Stewart Downing, Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor are being tipped to be part of the national side's future plans.

Boss Fabio Capello has already mentioned Agbonlahor among a group of players he hopes to turn to for Euro 2012 qualification.

James Milner was one of the few England players to return from South Africa with any real credit and he is expected to feature prominently in Capello's future plans.

Heskey insists there is a talented batch of players waiting in the wings and counts several of his club-mates are among them.

"I think there is a great group of players behind this one," said the Villa striker. "Didn't the under -21s get to a final? The under-17s, too, became European champions.

"James Milner has just been promoted to the senior squad and there's some good new lads coming through. So yes, I still think the future is safe.

"Look at Villa. As well as James, there's English players in Stewart Downing, Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

"I don't think there will be a new, huge batch of players sweeping into the England squad. There's going to be fresh players, though, younger ones.

"There's going to be some experienced players still doing their thing.

"But we will have young legs in there too so, fingers crossed, everything is bright in my mind."