Every Aston Villa player set for World Cup football next summer - and two who might miss out
A round-up of how each Aston Villa star has fared in World Cup qualification
Aston Villa star John McGinn further cemented his status as a Scotland legend by forming part of the team that played in the Tartan Army’s historic 4-2 victory against Denmark - ending a 28-year-streak without competing in a World Cup in the process.
It leaves the Villa skipper on track to compete for international football’s most coveted prize for the first time in his career after successfully helping the nation to reach back-to-back European Championships in both 2020 and 2024.
But which other players from the Villa side have secured a spot at next year’s tournament in North America - and who has suffered the heartbreak of missing out on qualification. Here’s a round-up ahead of the competition in less than eight months time.
The Aston Villa players that have secured World Cup qualification
Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in between the posts for world champions Argentina. His side finished top of their South American qualification group with 38 points from 29 matches, nine ahead of Ecuador in second and remarkably, who were far from vintage in their qualification campaign, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with plenty to do.
Emiliano Buendía, who has enjoyed a dramatic resurgence in recent weeks, hasn’t played any matches for the world champions in more than three years, but will hope to stake a late claim for a place on the plane after returning from an ACL injury.
England international Ezri Konsa, who picked up a knock after the penultimate qualifier, is also in line to play at the upcoming World Cup. His Three Lions side, which could also feature Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins won every match without conceding in qualifying.
Tyrone Mings and Jadon Sancho have a huge task to get back into the squad after a lengthy international hiatus. The same applies to Under-21 Player of the Tournament Harvey Elliott, who is currently struggling for minutes at Villa. Here is a full list of Aston Villa stars that have a chance of playing at the World Cup:
- Emi Martinez - Argentina
- Ezri Konsa - England
- Morgan Rogers - England
- Ollie Watkins - England
- Lucas Digne - France
- Ian Maatsen - Netherlands
- Pau Torres - Spain
- John McGinn - Scotland
- Youri Tielemans - Belgium
- Amadou Onana - Belgium
- Boubacar Kamara - France
- Donyell Malen - Netherlands
- Evann Guessand - Ivory Coast
The Aston Villa stars who’s World Cup fate is still undecided
Polish international Matty Cash, who recently penned a new contract, will need to go through the play-offs to assure himself of a place in the World Cup next summer. His side finished second in qualifying behind Netherlands, with a record of five wins, two draws and one defeat from eight matches. They’ve appeared in nine World Cup’s and have made it to both of the last two tournaments after failing to qualify in 2014.
The same applies to Victor Lindelof. His Sweden side actually finished outside the play-offs, but have a lifeline via the Nations League. Loanee Leon Bailey, who is currently playing with AS Roma, misses out on this summer’s World Cup, with manager Steve McClaren resigning from his post after a disappointing campaign.