Aston Villa

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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Aston Villa are behind Leeds United in the race to sign 23-year-old Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Serie A side Parma. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Meanwhile, Juventus have added Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to their list of summer targets. (Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Scotland will have to wait until potentially the early hours of Sunday to find out if their World Cup campaign will continue, but Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn believes it is "unlikely" and head coach Steve Clarke suspects they are "going home".

Knowing a draw would almost certainly be enough to reach the last 32, Steve Clarke's side suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat by Brazil to finish third in Group C.

"We lost poor goals at poor times against a team that can punish you with quality," Villa captain McGinn told BBC Sport. "We had a few chances but we've got to wait now.

"The lads are gutted. We fell short on quality but we gave it absolutely everything. The lads are empty now. It's unlikely [that we qualify] but we'll wait and see.

"It's a bit raw at the minute but we appreciate the support of the fans - we know it's difficult to be there. Hopefully the journey is not over and if we have to go again, we will go again."

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit for Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Max: Ayyoub Bouaddi [Morocco] has really impressed me. At times we've really missed Boubacar Kamara and Bouaddi looks like he has many similar attributes. I know we seem well stocked in midfield, but we are also injury prone, and with Champions League, we will need a full strength squad. I don't think we will get away with using Lamare Bogarde or Victor Lindelof in that role this season.

Prit: There's a couple of Senegal players that I think Villa could do with. Ibrahim Mbaye at PSG is lacking game time in that team, likewise Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea has never really been wanted by them. Clearly Unai is the master of improving players and he could do with both these players. UTV.

Raffi: I would like Johan Manzambi [Switzerland] because he is a quick, high potential player that would be a long-term investment. Also, Crysencio Summerville [Netherlands] as he has nice footwork and pure pace down the wing. Depending on how he performs for England, I would say Marcus Rashford as he knows Villa and would bring a lot to our team.

Chay: If Emi Martinez is leaving, then I am looking at the Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as a short-term keeper. He has kept Cape Verde in games.

Magnus: Krepin Diatta [Senegal] helped to make France look average for much of the game and can give Kylian Mbappe two yards but still catch him.

Who have you scouted? Tell us

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Despite still feeling "massively optimistic" about Thomas Tuchel's chances of being successful as England manager, former Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has been left "surprised" with some of his selection decisions.

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night, knowing that victory would have confirmed a place in the World Cup's last 32.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Warnock said: "More than anything, I was surprised Nico O'Reilly didn't start in the left-back position because when you have a right-footed left-back, you lose that little bit of balance on the pitch.

"You can see the difference when O'Reilly comes on, England get more bodies into the box and it causes chaos.

"I've seen a clip of Declan Rice getting onto the team bus with a heavily strapped calf, so it might be that Thomas Tuchel rests one of his two central midfielders and goes for more attacking-minded players next time out.

"I wouldn't mind seeing Harry Kane through the middle with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers either side of him, as either two number eights or two number 10s.

"It also wouldn't surprise me if he starts Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side as his cameos so far have been hugely impressive. When you're looking for a player to get in behind or get in 1-v-1 situations, he has been key.

"Noni Madueke did very well in the first half, but I was surprised Tuchel didn't bring Rashford on a little bit earlier. Giving a player 10 minutes in a game like that just isn't enough.

"Djed Spence, who is playing with the wrong foot constantly, was also playing very predictable balls to Anthony Gordon, which was making it very difficult for him to find the space or get in behind.

"I understood why Tuchel picked Spence initially, but I thought he was taking him as a right-back not a left-back. Right now, I can't understand how Lewis Hall isn't in this squad. It is nothing against Spence, I just don't think left-back suits him.

"That being said, I am still massively optimistic with this manager."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

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Aston Villa want a pacy winger, a striker, a midfielder and a right-back capable of providing cover for Ezri Konsa at centre-back. A goalkeeper is also on the agenda should Argentina's Emi Martinez leave.

Belgium's young World Cup player Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been linked, with the 21-year-old able to play wide or through the middle up front.

Aston Villa have expressed a strong interest in West Ham and England winger Jarrod Bowen, 29, but an agreement could be difficult until Villa make player sales. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Villa have also made it clear to interested clubs they do not want to sell 23-year-old England midfielder Morgan Rogers this summer. (Sky Sports), external

Meanwhile, Villa are in talks with Flamengo over signing their 27-year-old Brazilian defender Emerson Royal. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers is keen on a move to Premier League champions Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners making the 23-year-old a top target. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Aston Villa's John McGinn felt Scotland should have been awarded a penalty in their 1-0 defeat by Morocco on Friday after he was challenged by Neil el Aynaoui.

Steve Clarke's side conceded after just 70 seconds in the first half, as Morocco took all three points to leapfrog Scotland into second in Group C, but McGinn believes his team should have been given a chance to equalise in the second half.

Arsenal are hopeful Declan Rice can help persuade fellow England midfielder Morgan Rogers to join them from Aston Villa this summer. (Mirror), external

Juventus' summer transfer list includes Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Unai Emery will have been stung by finishing fourth last season - not because it was not a success, but because he wanted more.

Aston Villa have not finished in the top three under Emery and it was a stated goal of his last season.

He will want to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again this term, having been in the title race talk up until early in the new year.

This time, the reigning Europa League champions go to Brighton on 23 August - 11 days after facing Paris St Germain in the Super Cup in Salzburg.

The Champions League schedule is seen as less gruelling than the Europa League grind of games on Thursday and Sunday, and Villa want to beef up their squad to compete on all fronts.

• See Villa's opening fixtures

Arsenal, Hull, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham await before the international break in September and October - allowing Villa to test themselves against the champions while also looking to pick up early points.

They dramatically beat the Gunners at Villa Park last campaign and Emery will be looking for an early marker.

Villa ending a 30-year wait for a trophy and winning European silverware for the first time since 1982 will not matter to Emery, who is always out for improvement.

Listen to reaction on the fixtures from BBC Radio WM on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play below

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Unai Emery's Aston Villa haven't lost any of their four Premier League encounters against Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton (W3 D1), with the Seagulls losing 64% of their Premier League fixtures against the West Midlanders.

However, Brighton are getting used to a good start. Since losing 3-1 to Chelsea on matchday one in 2020-21, they are unbeaten in their opening game across five Premier League seasons (W4 D1).

Villa, meanwhile, are a slower burner in recent times. After returning to the Premier League in 2019-20, they have only started their season with a victory twice in seven attempts (D1 L4), beating Sheffield United in 2020-21 and West Ham United in 2024-25.

• Read more on the matches and rule changes for 2026-27

Aston Villa will begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a trip to Brighton.

The match will take place on Sunday, 23 August at 14:00 BST, with the Villans' first home fixture against Arsenal on the weekend of 29-30 August.

Unai Emery's side face Leeds United (H), Liverpool (H), Bournemouth (A) and Everton (A) over the Christmas and New Year period.

And they end their league season against Tottenham at Villa Park on Sunday, 30 May, when all games will kick off at the same time.

See Aston Villa's Premier League fixtures in full here

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With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most.

Here are some of your replies:

David: 3-1 v Manchester United in 1995. The famous "you win nothing with kids" match. Avoided relegation on the final day of the previous season. Villa were outstanding in the first half and would have ripped any opposition apart. Still remember Sir Alex Ferguson's face at half-time on his walk to the tunnel! Result set the tone for an excellent season for us.

Chay: First day back in the Premier League against Tottenham in August 2019. Regardless of the 3-1 defeat, it showed Villa were ready to compete in the Premier League - especially with John McGinn's early goal, the way Villa played that Spurs attack and how long we held out throughout that game before the end result.

Anthony: First game of the season after winning the European Cup in 1982, which was against Sunderland. We sang We Are The Champions - then watched them lose 3-1!

Steve: I remember in 1995 when we played Manchester United at Villa Park - David Beckham and all - and beat them 3-1. Alan Hansen made the famous "never win anything with kids quip", then they went on to win the league. There's too many to remember for the worst. Maybe last season when we drew the first game and went on to a shocking first few games that had us in the relegation zone - then it got a bit better!

Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how Villa's 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Sean: If Emi Martinez is to leave then Japan's Zion Suzuki could be a very helpful pick-up.

Matt: Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille looked excellent for Morocco against Brazil - all over the pitch, winning balls everywhere and repeatedly getting out of Brazil's press to play some neat balls forward. He's only 18 and looks in demand, but maybe we could give him more first-team football than Arsenal, Liverpool etc while still offering Champions League.

Simon: I don't want Morgan Rogers to leave. However, if did sell then get Marcus Rashford back and maybe Mohamed Salah for two seasons. Midfiel-wise, I'm sure Unai Emery has already identified replacements which you would hope are young gems just like Rogers was.

Mark: Omar Marmoush is exactly what we need up front. And John Stones on a free would be a great start if you ask me.

Spotted someone you want for Villa? Let us know who and why he'd fit

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

When John McGinn scored Scotland's first men's World Cup goal in 28 years in the 1-0 win over Haiti, the Aston Villa midfielder celebrated in customary fashion.

Mimicking goggles with his hands turned upside down, the toast of the Tartan Army is raising awareness for his nephew Jack, who needs goggles to play football because of his poor eyesight.

McGinn and his goggles have gone worldwide in recent days, with his name ringing out on the streets of Boston and on the Fenway Park bleachers.

And the 31-year-old does not want any kids in Scotland - or indeed anywhere - to be put off being themselves, hence his iconic celebration.

"It was for the last major tournament when I didn't score," McGinn told ITV Sport, when asked for the meaning behind the goggles.

"It was at the time where Jack was having serious discussions about his eyesight. It's probably as strong a lens as you can get for a child. When he takes his glasses off, you can see how much he struggles.

"But it's not just the reaction from him, and allowing him to be more comfortable playing football with his pals. It's the awareness for young kids all around Scotland, all around the world."

Read the full story here

Megan Jones
BBC West Midlands

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For Aston Villa and England footballer Morgan Rogers, the love of the game runs in the family.

"My mum and dad are fans of football and my brothers are fans of football, so it made it really easy for me to be," he told the Football Association.

The 23-year-old added he was "a bit of a geek" when it comes to learning players, teams and little details that other people may not know.

His thirst for knowledge was evident from a young age, according to former West Bromwich Albion manager Darren Moore.

He was part of the club's academy coaching staff when he first came across Rogers, who played for the under-14s team at the time.

"Every time in football training or games, he would always work hard, express himself and want to absorb all the information that was given to him," said Moore.

While coaches spotted his potential in the academy, the same qualities were just as clear at school.

Rogers attended Sandwell Academy and was part of the side that won the National Schools Cup in 2017, and in later years.

Scott Follis, now head of PE at Sandwell Academy, taught Rogers during that time and remembers a pupil whose talent stood out immediately.

"My first memory of him is seeing him on the football pitch, " he said. "Morgan was brilliant, we are quite lucky as a school, over the years we have had some really talented footballers come through."

He added: "He was always a step above, just an excellent footballer, what you see now when he is playing at the highest level, is what we saw at school level.

"He was so natural with the ball, so effortless, I remember watching Morgan, and wondering if he didn't make it to the top level, I don't know what the top level is."

Follis and the PE department have kept an eye on him throughout the years.

"We knew when he was out on loan, and breaking into the first teams, we try and track our students," said Follis.

When he saw Rogers named in the 26-man squad for the summer tournament, Follis said he was "really excited to see how he gets on and it's great to see him out there on a massive stage".

Meanwhile, Rogers is continuing to inspire future generations at his old school.

"The students ask 'did Morgan Rogers come here?' 'Did you teach Morgan?', and the majority know we did," Follis added.

Read Megan's full piece here

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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The moment Youri Tielemans's opener burst the net in Aston Villa's Europa League triumph against Freiburg, each of Unai Emery's substitutes took a turn to embrace the man responsible for orchestrating another set-piece goal.

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez chose not to celebrate with his outfield team-mates, instead racing over to the dugout to also show his appreciation to Scottish coach Austin MacPhee.

Villa fans were heard chanting the name of the 46-year-old as their heroes on the pitch closed in on a 3-0 victory in Istanbul.

Post-match, head coach Emery labelled the Scot a "fantastic creator". Striker Ollie Watkins hailed his "courage". Captain John McGinn described his countryman as a "great set-piece coach".

And now, MacPhee takes to the World Cup with Portugal after joining Roberto Martinez's staff in February last year.

It's is his five years at Villa Park that have undoubtedly brought him his greatest success, though. Villa scored more goals from set-pieces than any other side in Europe's top five leagues in 2023-24.

The following season, only four clubs in those five divisions bettered their tally. In the most recent campaign, they were level with Arsenal for the most set-piece goals.

MacPhee has achieved those staggering results through years of experience and meticulous preparation.

Hours are spent on the training pitch and in analysis suites, and players are given homework in the form of animations and graphics sent to their phones.

Amid the Europa League celebrations in Istanbul, Emery said: "We work on everything so hard and everything makes sense.

"Congratulations to Austin too, he's very good at his job and we work very closely. He has so much experience and we know exactly what we are doing."

A long-haired lad from Kirkcaldy might just prove to be the most lethal weapon at a World Cup. Not sure that has ever been said before, or will be said again.

Read Nick's full piece on MacPhee here