Premier League football is back and Aston Villa return with a showdown against Fulham on Saturday at Craven Cottage.
The international break came at the right time for Aston Villa because it allowed several struggling injured players to rest and recover.
Whilst we take a look at how Aston Villa‘s internationals faired on their trips across the world, it’s also worth noting that a number of them didn’t go for one reason or another.
Captain John McGinn was injured and missed Scotland’s games, whilst Emi Martinez was suspended for Argentina and enjoyed a rare break.
Ezri Konsa and Leon Bailey were in the same boat as McGinn, including Amadou Onana of Belgium and Jaden Philogene for the England U21s.
But here we round up how Aston Villa’s stars faired whilst donning the colours of their country and there were mixed stories.
Aston Villa players on international duty
Ollie Watkins for England – Ollie Watkins would have been fuming when he didn’t start England’s defeat to Greece, especially given that interim boss Lee Carsley started no striker with Harry Kane injured.
Villa’s number nine isn’t respected enough on the international stage, he then came off the bench and was involved in both of England’s goals during the win over Finland, proceeding to do more than Kane in less than half the time. Hopefully, new England manager Thomas Tuchel treats him differently!
Lucas Digne for France – Last time out, Lucas Digne returned to the France set-up after a two-year absence and it is much deserved for his Villa form.
The 31-year-old didn’t start France’s opening win of the international break, but played the entire game as his team beat Belgium 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League. Digne provided the crucial assist for the winning goal.
Youri Tielemans for Belgium – Tielemans has perhaps been Villa’s best player this term, but he hasn’t been able to replicate that on the international stage.
He captained Belgium in both of their games – Italy and France – that could only muster one point. The nightmare moment for the midfielder was the fact that his penalty went sailing over the bar at 0-0 against the French.
Kosta Nedeljkovic for Serbia – Game time at Villa might be restricted for the 18-year-old, but he is getting his legs ticking for Serbia.
Kosta Nedeljkovic started Serbia’s games against Spain and rivals Switzerland, winning the latter, with mixed results, in terms of his own performances.
Joe Gauci for Australia – Being Villa’s number two means that it also translates onto the international stage, especially when he is coming up against the experienced Mat Ryan.
But the former Arsenal and Brighton stopper is a bench player himself now at Roma, so that opened the door for Joe Gauci to start both of Australia’s games over the international break, beating China and a 1-1 draw against Japan.
Morgan Rogers & Samuel Illing-Junior for England U21s – It’s annoying for Unai Emery that Morgan Rogers has to play for the U21s because he is far too good for that level.
But the 22-year-old was selected again, coming off the bench against Ukraine because he was carrying an injury and then starting the thumping 7-0 win over Azerbaijan, alongside Samuel Illing-Junior.
Villa’s loaned-out star assisted James McAtee as the England young guns scored two late goals to beat Ukraine.
Jhon Duran for Colombia – To nobody’s surprise, Jhon Duran came off the bench and scored again! Colombia reaped those rewards this time around as they beat Chile 4-0 in their World Cup qualifier.
In regards to the rest of the cap, Pau Torres was unused for Spain, and in truth, Villa fans won’t mind that too much because he gets a much-needed rest.
And despite calls for Ian Maatsen to start for the Netherlands, Ronald Koeman opted against using the Villa man.
Aston Villa’s Premier League clash against Fulham
Back to the serious stuff and trying to climb into the Premier League’s top four again.
Beat Fulham at Craven Cottage, then Villa are in the Champions League places, with fourth-placed Chelsea due to play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
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Thankfully, no one has returned from the break injured and everyone is ready and refreshed to go again!
