There are nights when international football feels like a formality. England’s 3-0 win over Wales at Wembley may have only been a friendly, but for Villa supporters, it was a showcase from three of Villa’s finest, who played their part in a dominant first-half performance that left Wales reeling.
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom the opening whistle, England were relentless. The match was barely three minutes old when Morgan Rogers, operating in the No. 10 role, latched onto a clever cutback from Marc Guéhi and swept home his first senior international goal. It was a moment of composure and a classy finish.
Just eight minutes later, Rogers was involved again. This time, he floated a short-range lob across the box that found Watkins at the far post. Watkins, deputising for the injured Harry Kane, controlled the ball and tapped in from close range to double England’s lead. A welcome goal for Watkins after recently ending a goal drought in our recent win over Fulham.
Embed from Getty ImagesBy the 20-minute mark, Saka had added a third with a fine curling effort, and the contest was effectively over. Wales, despite fielding a strong lineup, were overwhelmed. Their defensive shape collapsed under England’s intensity and midfield was bypassed with ease. Villa’s trio were right at the heart of it, with Konsa notching an assist for Saka’s strike too.
While Rogers and Watkins grabbed the headlines with their goals, Konsa quietly impressed in a reshuffled backline. With John Stones returning to the fold, Konsa was shifted to right-back, a role he’s often found himself in at Villa. His involvement in the build-up to Rogers’ opener was subtle but important, helping recycle possession and maintain England’s high press. Konsa’s versatility and usual composure were evident throughout, and his performance will have given manager Thomas Tuchel plenty to think about ahead of England’s next qualifier.
Tuchel, who has kept faith with the squad that thrashed Serbia 5-0 in September, was rewarded once again. The decision to leave out Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden raised eyebrows, but Rogers’ performance justified the call. He was lively, linked play intelligently, and even struck the woodwork in the second half before being substituted.
Watkins, too, will have been pleased with his contribution. Though he missed a second opportunity later in the half and was withdrawn at the break after a collision with the post, his goal and movement were vital in England’s early dominance. With Kane sidelined, Watkins seized his chance and reminded everyone again of his value to the national setup. He’s had an uncharacteristically quiet early part of the season, but he remains England’s obvious backup option.
The second half saw England ease off, allowing Wales a few chances. Pickford was called into action to keep a clean sheet, making smart saves from Brooks and Mepham. But the damage had already been done. England’s attacking variety and intensity in the opening stages were simply too much for Wales to handle.
For us Villa fans, this was another glimpse of what the club’s best talent can achieve on the international stage. Rogers, Watkins and Konsa contributed massively. And as England prepare to face Latvia in Riga, there’s a growing realisation of Villa’s influence upon the national team’s potential fortunes under Tuchel.