The clash between England and Argentina in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup can be considered the greatest duel between Aston Villa players in the tournament’s history.
The 2026 World Cup has completed one semi-final after Spain comfortably defeated France 2-0. They are set to face the winner of England vs Argentina.
This encounter is regarded as one of the classic duels in World Cup history. Each side has won two of their four previous meetings. It has dominated the headlines in recent days, from Lionel Messi facing Harry Kane, the renewal of their historic rivalry, and even their famous clash in 1986 with its links to the Malvinas War.
However, for the Lions, this fixture means more than that and could become an important moment in the club’s history. It could be the greatest Aston Villa head-to-head at the World Cup. How is that possible?
The match between England and Argentina is perhaps not the first World Cup meeting involving two Aston Villa players on opposing sides. The first was at Japan and Korea 2002, while in North America this year there was already a duel between two Villa men in the Round of 32 when Lucas Digne’s France and Victor Lindelof’s Sweden faced each other.
However, England vs Argentina takes place in the final four, the crucial stage that determines a place in the final. It could potentially feature more than two Villans in the same match. Emiliano Martinez is Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Ezri Konsa has established himself in England’s back line. Morgan Rogers and perhaps Ollie Watkins could also feature, especially if the game goes to extra time or even a penalty shootout.
Should the match be decided on penalties, it would create history in its own right. Martinez could face his Villa teammates, whether Rogers, Watkins, or even Konsa, if they are selected to take spot-kicks.
Apart from Lucas Digne, who also played in the semi-final with France last night, only Konsa and Martinez have featured in every game for their respective nations at the World Cup.
The 28-year-old defender has started every match, with his best performance coming against Panama in the group stage, according to statistics from Whoscored.com. Konsa has mainly been deployed as a centre-back but had to play out wide at right-back in the last match against Norway.
Meanwhile, the former Arsenal goalkeeper produced his best performance in the quarter-final against Switzerland, despite being unable to keep a clean sheet. Martinez’s form this year has perhaps not reached the level he showed at Qatar 2022, but he could continue to improve after recovering from the finger injury he suffered before the Europa League final.
As for Rogers, he has made five appearances, mostly as a substitute. He only played the full 90 minutes in the final group-stage match against Panama. Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, has made just one appearance, also coming against Panama.
One thing for sure, it is bound to be at least one Villa man in the summit. It will be the second consecutive appearance in the world cup final.
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