Luke Young may have ended his outside chance of a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad by remaining in international retirement.

The 30-year-old told the Football Association last season he was no longer available for selection, but he was asked about his availability ahead of the Brazil friendly this week when Glen Johnson returned to Liverpool for treatment on an injury.

An FA spokesman confirmed: "The England management were aware of Luke Young's position (regarding international availability) but yesterday sought to clarify this was still the case."

Young has not played for his country since earning seven caps in 2005, although he was called up by Capello in February for the friendly against Spain before a toe injury forced him to withdraw.

It was around that time Young informed the FA he would concentrate on club football after being on the fringes of the squad for more than three years.

It means Capello only has Wes Brown as a recognised right-back for the clash against Dunga's men on Saturday in Doha, and it also indicates how highly Young was rated despite only one Villa start this season.

His absence was due to a thigh complaint which kept him sidelined for the entire pre-season, and he was then given time off to mourn the death of his half-brother, Andre.

He told AVTV: "I came back in pre-season looking forward to the new campaign. I felt I could improve on my performances of the previous season. I had the bit between my teeth - a real determination to succeed.

"I then picked up niggling thigh injuries that I couldn't get rid of and then obviously the family bereavement which was difficult to get over."

Johnson and Brown are Capello's first options at right-back but an injury to either of them in the lead up to South Africa may have put Young in the frame if he was available.

Capello's other options include Manchester United veteran Gary Neville, or a player such as Owen Hargreaves or James Milner dropping back from midfield.