Aston Villa: Postecoglou backs McGinn as Watkins reflects on bench role
Morgan Rogers plays down exit talk as ‘just noise’, staying focused before England’s World Cup opener. He is under contract to 2031 after a 14-goal, 12-assist season that helped deliver a trophy and a Champions League return.
Alan Hutton says Lucas Digne has ‘made a case’ to start for France depending on Deschamps’ approach, while calling Boubacar Kamara a huge miss for Villa after injury disrupted their midfield balance.
Amadou Onana starts Belgium’s 1-1 vs Egypt but is subbed on 56 minutes and rated 3.5 by Foot Mercato, criticised as ‘far too slow’ and for distribution, with no tackles won.
Ange Postecoglou hails John McGinn after Roy Keane’s ‘pub player’ jibe, praising his elite impact for Villa and Scotland. McGinn scored the 1-0 winner v Haiti and posted standout passing, duels and dribbles stats.
Ex-Millwall scout Bryan King urges Villa to move for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, saying £50m could land the 21-year-old Norway World Cup pick after a 9-goal contribution season.
Villa are named frontrunners to sign former Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, with a reported £30m valuation.
Youri Tielemans impresses in Belgium’s 1-1 vs Egypt, creating three chances with strong passing and defensive work, despite mixed media ratings labelling his display ‘timid’ or merely ‘solid’.
Ollie Watkins admits frustration as Marcus Rashford’s loan challenged his starting role. Emery picked Rashford in the Champions League quarter-finals against PSG, with Watkins on the bench despite strong league form.
