Ashley Young was named in England's 55-man provisional World Cup squad

Aston Villa full-back Ashley Young was named in England's provisional 55-man squad ahead of this winter's World Cup, according to reports.

Gareth Southgate is expected to reveal his final 26-man squad for the tournament on Thursday ahead of their Group B opener against Iran on November 21.

Danny Welbeck, James Maddison, Callum Wilson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Eberechi Eze and Lewis Dunk have already been named in the provisional side.

And now, it has emerged former Manchester United winger Young was also included by Southgate.

That's according to Matt Law of The Telegraph, who suggests there is "no real prospect or expectation" of Young making the 26-man squad.

But as he rightly points out, it's a pretty extraordinary moment for the 37-year-old, who last played for the Three Lions in their World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia in 2018.

In total, Young has picked up 39 caps for England since making his debut in 2007 against Austria.

He has made 11 appearances for Premier League outfit Aston Villa this season, scoring once in a game against Nottingham Forest.

But not many expected the experienced full-back to get such backing from Southgate, who clearly rates the Watford youth product.

That being said, some fans backed the decision. One commented on the news, saying: "Apart from being excellent all season, he covers ao many positions. England shouldn't need him but he is a perfect tournament player. Never injured, covers multiple positions brilliantly. Leader."

Another wrote: "To be fair, he’s the only player all season that has been constantly really good so, I kinda get it. I’d be shocked if he makes the full squad though."

A third said: "Not surprisingly he’s been class for us."

You'd expect the versatile Young to miss out on Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad, but injuries to Reece James and Kyle Walker, who is still a fitness doubt, has left England short in defence.

There is no place in the squad for Villa's experienced full-back in any of SPORTbible's final squads, although there are some surprise inclusions.

Thoughts on the Ashley Young news? Should he make the plane?

Let us know in the comments.