Aston Villa duo Fabian Delph and Tom Cleverley tipped to run England midfield

Aston Villa midfielders Fabian Delph and Tom Cleverley could run England's engine room too, according to team-mate Joe Cole.

Manchester United still own Cleverley's registration, but his loan at Villa Park looks increasingly likely to become permanent following a stellar season that will end with an FA Cup final appaearance later this month.

He and Delph have formed a powerful partnership that has fired Villa away from the relegation zone, with Cleverley scoring three goals in as many league games.

"Both of them realistically could be in England's engine room alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson," Cole said.

"They should be there or thereabouts. We have a good core in the team at the right age with a lot of energy.

"Delphy is quality. I think he is the form English midfielder. He has made himself the first name on the team sheet for England, in my opinion.

"He is 25 now, but he has lost a few years with injury, so you still tend to look at him like a 23-year-old.

"He has still got some developing to do but he is playing brilliantly. When you see players in form like that, it really does help."