Villa Five on International Duty

Morten Olsen has named Villa’s Thomas Sørensen and Martin Laursen in his Denmark squad for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in Copenhagen on 4 September.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Sweden, club captain Olof Mellberg will be in action for the coaching duo of Lars Lagerbäck and Roland Andersson for his side’s opening games against Malta and Croatia. Marcus Allbäck, who moved from Villa Park to Hansa Rostok on Friday, is also included in the 22-man squad.

In group six, Mark Hughes has called up right-back Mark Delaney for Wales’ games against Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland. England, whom Wales face in October, have included Darius Vassell in a 23-man squad for away games in Austria and Poland.

England Under-21s, who also face Austria and Poland, have called upon Villa duo Carlton Cole and Peter Whittingham.