A devastating night in Guadalajara saw Leon Bailey’s World Cup ambitions crushed by a familiar face, as DR Congo edged Jamaica 1-0 in the Inter-Confederation Play-off Final.
The heartbreak was compounded for the Villa winger as it was former teammate Axel Tuanzebe who scored the decisive extra-time goal to send the Leopards to the 2026 finals
Here is the full round-up of the seven Aston Villa players in action on a busy Tuesday night:
Bailey devastated: former villain Tuanzebe breaks jamaican hearts
Tuesday’s intercontinental playoff final between Jamaica and DR Congo will live long in the memory of Bailey and the Reggae Boyz faithful but for all the wrong reasons. A single goal settled the game, and its scorer made the result particularly painful for the Villa winger.
Former Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe, who spent time at Villa Park earlier in his career, struck the decisive blow to send DR Congo to the 2026 World Cup at Jamaica’s expense.
The result ends one of the most emotionally charged storylines of the entire international window. Jamaica had battled through their playoff semi-final against New Caledonia to reach the final: a remarkable achievement for a nation competing at this level.
Bailey had been part of that journey throughout, despite a difficult personal performance in the semi-final that drew criticism from supporters on social media.
The cruel irony of Tuanzebe’s decisive goal will not be lost on anyone connected with Aston Villa. For Bailey, however, there is no time for extended reflection (Bologna arrives on Thursday 9 April) and Emery will need every available attacking option fully motivated and physically sharp for a defining run-in.
Rogers and Konsa feature as Japan beat England
It was a night of mixed emotions for Aston Villa’s England contingent as the Three Lions fell 0-1 to Japan. While Ezri Konsa put in a solid shift at the back and Morgan Rogers looked dangerous during his second-half cameo, they couldn’t prevent Kaoru Mitoma from netting the only goal of the game to hand Japan a historic win at Wembley.
Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers both featured for Thomas Tuchel’s side, providing Emery with valuable confirmation that both players return to Bodymoor Heath with additional minutes in their legs ahead of the season’s most critical phase.
Rogers involvement is particularly significant given the ongoing conversation around his England credentials. The 23-year-old has been widely discussed as a frontrunner for the number ten role at this summer’s World Cup and any appearance under Tuchel strengthens that claim.
Furthermore, his recent form at club level, despite Villa’s mid-season wobble, has consistently underlined a player capable of delivering at the highest level when given the right platform and service.
Konsa’s inclusion meanwhile reflects his continued importance to England’s defensive setup. The Villa centre-back has been one of the more reliable performers in claret and blue this season and his involvement with the national team adds competitive sharpness that will prove valuable as Villa navigate a congested fixture schedule in April and May.
Tielemans captains Belgium and delivers an assist
While Bailey’s Tuesday ended in heartbreak, Youri Tielemans had considerably more reason to smile. The Belgian midfielder captained his country in their international friendly against Mexico a significant personal honour for a player who has worn the Villa armband with distinction during McGinn’s injury absence.
Furthermore, the 29-year-old contributed directly to Belgium’s goal in a 1-1 draw, registering an assist that underlined his continued creative quality at international level.
That output will provide genuine reassurance to Emery, who had monitored the midfielder’s fitness carefully after his return from a lengthy knee injury earlier this season.
Returning with captaincy experience and a direct goal contribution is precisely the kind of confidence-building international window Villa needed from their Belgian playmaker.
Onana enters the fray as Belgium’s second-half option
Amadou Onana replaced his club teammate Tielemans in the second half of Belgium’s draw with Mexico creating the appealing sight of two Aston Villa players simultaneously representing the same international side.
The powerful 23-year-old entered proceedings as Belgium sought a winning goal in the second period.
Both Villa players returning with minutes in their legs (rather than as unused substitutes) is an encouraging sign for Emery heading into the Bologna quarter-final.
Tielemans and Onana will arrive back at Bodymoor Heath with match sharpness maintained and confidence boosted by their respective contributions.
| Player | Match | Result | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leon Bailey | Jamaica vs DR Congo | 0-1 defeat | World Cup dream ended |
| Morgan Rogers | England vs Japan | Friendly defeat | Featured for England |
| Ezri Konsa | England vs Japan | Friendly defeat | Featured for England |
| Youri Tielemans | Belgium vs Mexico | 1-1 draw | Captain, assist |
| Amadou Onana | Belgium vs Mexico | 1-1 draw | Second half substitute |
| Lamare Bogarde | Netherlands U21 vs Belgium U21 | 2-1 win | Sub (67 mins) |
Bogarde Impresses as Netherlands Under-21s Beat Belgium
Monday evening brought further positive news from the Villa camp. Bogarde entered the action after 67 minutes as Netherlands Under-21s defeated Belgium Under-21s 2-1 in a competitive friendly.
The young defender’s continued inclusion in the Dutch Under-21 setup reflects growing recognition of his potential at the highest youth level.
Returning with international minutes under his belt keeps the 20-year-old sharp and engaged as he continues his push for greater first-team involvement under Emery.
Eyes turn to Bologna: the real business awaits
With the international window now fully concluded, every Villa player’s attention turns collectively and exclusively toward Thursday 9 April.
The Europa League quarter-final first leg against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara represents the most significant fixture of Villa’s season to date.
Furthermore, a seven-game Premier League run-in begins simultaneously with Champions League qualification firmly within the club’s own hands.
Bailey returns heartbroken but motivated. Rogers and Konsa return with England minutes and growing international confidence. Tielemans and Onana return fit and sharp. Bogarde returns with valuable developmental minutes.
The international break has served Villa’s cause well overall and the real adventure is only just beginning.
