Euro 2012 Betting: England stars ready to walk out on Villa

Michael Cox has mapped out how he sees England lining up against Switzerland elsewhere on the site and, late injuries permitting, it's difficult to dispute his predictions, which include Fabio Capello starting with all three of the Villa Park heroes, who have been brilliant when called upon this year.

Bent has been the star turn, netting in each of his last three appearances for the Three Lions having failed to strike in any of his first six outings for his country, and given the way he ended the season, firing nine times in 16 games after his big-money move to Villa, he has to be fancied to deliver again.

Young is also finally managing to convert his club promise into international success, opening his England account in Denmark then earning the early penalty that turned a potentially tricky trip to Wales into a stroll for Capello's men in March. As the most fouled player in the Premier League this campaign, his presence may render the 3.7511/4 on a spot kick being awarded a shrewd investment.

Yet while the fact that Villa's main men are establishing themselves for England should suggest that the future is bright for the second city club, some fans will be worried that the chance to spearhead their nation's attack in a match that they are 1.392/5 to win represents an unwanted shop window.

Young is already likely to depart this summer, having announced his intention to start challenging for silverware at what he considers to be the peak of his career, especially as he only has a year left on his contract, and Downing compounded the blow by later refusing the negotiate a new deal.

There doesn't appear to be any immediate danger of Bent leaving, however his surprising decision to exit Sunderland shows that he isn't content to settle for what he has, and as one of the most reliable goalscorers in the Premier League, there will always be interest in him.

It is therefore vital that Randy Lerner and co hire a manager that will inspire him and demonstrate the club's ambition. Mark Hughes is the favourite for the job at 3.814/5, with former Champions League winners Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez also thought to be in the running at 8.07/1 and 19.018/1.