Ollie Watkins and out-of-form dud – the Aston Villa players who could make mark for England at 2026 World Cup
Aston Villa look set to be well represented at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The Villa Park club have a long tradition in international football for producing top-level talent.
This has been no different under Unai Emery, with many star names proving their talents for their various countries.
John McGinn continues to flourish for Scotland, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana are regulars for Belgium, while Donyell Malen often features for the Netherlands.
There is every chance that these players will reach the promised land of the 2026 World Cup, but England, under Thomas Tuchel, has already achieved that feat.
Ollie Watkins set for another major tournament with England
Watkins suffered an injury for England against Wales as he collided with the post in unsavoury fashion.
Before being forced off, the striker had taken three shots and created one chance in a busy first-half performance in the capital.
Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer missed the Latvia clash as the Three Lions secured a 5-0 win and a place at the World Cup.
Tuchel’s side didn’t necessarily miss the 29-year-old due to the return of Harry Kane, who continued his electric form this season.
That is unlikely to stop Watkins from taking up a spot on the plane as England take off towards North America at the end of the season.
He is easily the best striker behind Kane that the country has to offer and will be more than deserving of an opportunity to play in the tournament.
Ezri Konsa translates Aston Villa form to England
Konsa is far and away the Villans’ best defender and doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his form in the Premier League or for England.
The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer for Villa and is no doubt one of the best centre-backs available to Tuchel right now.
Considering how injury-prone John Stones has been, it feels as if the ex-Brentford man should be a guaranteed starter in white.
It is unlikely to be as cut and dry moving into the World Cup, but there is truly no reason why he shouldn’t be part of the squad.
Morgan Rogers has been excellent for England
Rogers has been hugely out of form in claret and blue, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting in electric performances for the Three Lions.
Against Wales, Rogers showcased that talent once again with his first goal of the season in a terrific showing.
This saw the 23-year-old register a 100 per cent dribble success while hitting the bar and scoring with two of his three shots at Wembley.
Things weren’t as smooth sailing against Latvia, but in a 5-0 win against a tough defensive outfit, it was tricky to find space, culminating in him maintaining a zero per cent duel completion rate.
Rogers has played in every game under Tuchel, becoming one of only two players to do so, which adds credence to the idea that he will be in the World Cup squad.
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