Aston Villa are guaranteed representation in the World Cup final as four of Unai Emery’s players prepare to face each other in Atlanta.
Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are part of the England squad facing Emiliano Martinez’s Argentina on Wednesday evening.
The semi-final kicks off at 8pm BST, with Spain awaiting the winners in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium. FIFA has confirmed Atlanta Stadium as the venue for the second semi-final.
Villa supporters therefore know at least one of their players will compete for the biggest prize in international football.
For three of them, Martinez stands in the way.
Martinez faces players who know him best
Konsa, Rogers and Watkins have trained alongside Martinez throughout their recent years at Villa.
Konsa understands how the goalkeeper organises his defence. Watkins has faced him regularly in finishing drills, while Rogers knows how quickly Martinez can close space when an attacker breaks into the penalty area.
That familiarity works both ways.
Martinez will understand Watkins’ movement, Rogers’ preference for driving through central areas and Konsa’s influence when England build from defence.
None of those details guarantees an advantage once the match begins. International systems, pressure and individual decisions will carry greater influence than knowledge gathered at Bodymoor Heath.
Martinez has already played an important role in Argentina’s progress. He produced a crucial intervention against Breel Embolo during the quarter-final victory over Switzerland, helping the defending champions protect their lead.
ReadAstonVilla previously examined how Argentina’s progress created a direct semi-final meeting between Martinez and his Villa team-mates.
England have also received important contributions from Villa players. Rogers helped create the winning goal during the extra-time quarter-final victory over Norway, keeping Thomas Tuchel’s side on course for the final.
Watkins offers an experienced attacking option from the bench, while Konsa can cover several positions across England’s defence.
World Cup run complicates Emery’s pre-season
The occasion reflects Villa’s development under Emery.
Having four players involved in the same World Cup semi-final provides further evidence of the international quality within the squad. It also creates a difficult pre-season schedule for the head coach.
Villa’s domestic group have already returned to Bodymoor Heath, but Martinez, Konsa, Rogers and Watkins will require rest after the tournament.
The winner will remain away until after Sunday’s final. The losing side must prepare for Saturday’s third-place play-off, meaning all four could stay with their national teams until the end of the weekend.
ReadAstonVilla has already looked at how Villa’s returning squad began pre-season while their World Cup players remained in contention.
Emery cannot expect the quartet to move immediately from tournament football into full club training. Their minutes, fitness and recovery will need to be managed carefully before the Premier League campaign begins.
Martinez’s situation is particularly important. Villa have publicly ruled out selling the goalkeeper this summer, making his safe return central to Emery’s plans.
Konsa remains one of the manager’s most trusted defenders. Rogers is expected to carry a major creative role, while Watkins’ importance has increased following changes elsewhere in the attack.
The match will also make World Cup history from an officiating perspective.
Ismail Elfath will lead the first all-American referee crew appointed to a men’s World Cup semi-final, assisted by Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins. It will be their fourth match together at the tournament.
Villa loyalties will be divided for 90 minutes, and possibly longer.
Whatever happens in Atlanta, one side of the dressing room will return to Bodymoor Heath having reached a World Cup final. The other will carry the disappointment of falling one match short.
