Aston Villa contingent scattered across the globe. For many of our stars, these aren’t just friendlies; there are massive World Cup stakes on the line, and it’s going to be a tense, high-stakes watch for the Villa faithful.
Here is the rundown of who to keep an eye on today:
High stakes for Poland and Sweden
The most critical matches on Thursday evening involve Matty Cash and Victor Lindelöf, both of whom are fighting to keep their 2026 World Cup dreams alive in the European qualification play-offs.
Cash is expected to start for Poland in their semi-final clash against Albania in Warsaw. The match will be live on Thursday on Prime Video at 19:45 UK time.
The 28-year-old, who recently returned from injury, has been one of Villa’s standout players this season providing a goal-scoring threat and several defensively strong performances.
Meanwhile, Lindelöf captains Sweden in what is likely to be a close match with Ukraine. He has arguably been Villa’s best signing this season, so he will be hoping he can carry his form into the match on Thursday night. This match is also live on Prime Video at 19:45 UK time.
With the winner of these two matches playing each other, added pressure may be on Villa’s defensive duo.
Jamaica’s ambitions and Argentina’s preparations
Across the Atlantic, Leon Bailey has the chance to make history with Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz face New Caledonia in a match that could pave the way for their first World Cup appearance since 1998. The game takes place in the early hours of Friday morning at 3:30 UK time, live on DAZN.
Bailey has had a rather lackluster season, initially failing to make an impact on loan at Roma, before being recalled by Villa in January. Only managing to start twice in the Premier League, the 28-year-old has struggled with confidence.
Emiliano Martínez doesn’t feature until Friday night, when Argentina take on Mauritania at 23:15 UK time. The match is not being broadcast live. It is their first match of a warm-up cycle ahead of their defence as reigning champions.
Blockbuster friendly
Lucas Digne earned a recall to the French squad last week. They take on Brazil in what will be a blockbuster match. It kicks off at 20:00 UK time on Thursday, live on ITV4.
Having been in and out of Villa’s starting eleven this season, the left-back will be hoping to put in a performance that forces Unai Emery to make some difficult decisions when he returns from international duty.
Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers decisions
Whilst England face Uruguay at Wembley on Friday night, Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers will not be included in the matchday squad.
This decision was made by Thomas Tuchel to allow the pair adequate rest, having played a large volume of matches in recent weeks. They are part of a group of eleven players who will not join up with the rest of the camp until next week.
Villa supporters will be watching with a close eye for any star performances, but will also have their fingers crossed that their players get through these matches unscathed.
