Josh Feeney and Jayden Barber show Aston Villa defence in safe hands after England youth call-up
Aston Villa academy duo Jayden Barber and Josh Feeney have been included in the England Under-18 squad for the upcoming international break – highlighting that the club’s defence looks to be in safe hands in the long run.
Over the last few years, the Bodymoor Heath academy has nurtured some top talents, including Tim Iroegbunam, Cameron Archer and Jacob Ramsey, but few defenders have broken through the ranks in the West Midlands.
However, with Feeney and Barber both representing the England under-18s and under-21 duo Seb Revan and Kaine Kesler-Hayden showing no signs of slowing down under Tony Carss this season, the future looks bright.
Aston Villa’s latest young gun, Barber, is a technically gifted full-back who signed from Fulham in July 2021. After making his switch to the West Midlands club, the 17-year-old took part in a number of England training camps before his call-up on Friday (17 March).
After impressing with the under-18s last season, the youngster was awarded his first professional contract with Villa in July 2022.
Since then, Barber has started ten times for the under-18s, amassing a total of 760 minutes, winning 76 duels and winning 51% of his tackles. [AVFC]
Barber’s partner in crime is fellow 17-year-old Feeney, who has made the ascension to the Aston Villa under-21s look like a formality this season.
The tall, imposing centre-back was highly regarded by former first-team manager Steven Gerrard and awarded his first team bow in pre-season friendlies against Leeds United and Walsall last summer.
Since Gerrard’s sacking, Feeney is yet to feature in the first-team, but The Athletic’s Dan Bardell told Villa News that the young defender could be the next cab off the ranks if injuries were to strike Unai Emery’s side.
Both academy defenders will be eagerly awaiting any opportunities handed their way in the upcoming England internationals against Belgium, Croatia and Switzerland, while Emery may just be keeping a watchful eye on two of the club’s up-and-coming talents.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have the next Phil Foden in the academy, who is ready to live up to the hype.