Aston Villa

A fresh episode of The Wayne Rooney Show has landed and there's a raging debate on who should be on the plane for England to next summer's World Cup.

As part of the conversation, the panel dive into the form of Ollie Watkins and the credentials of Jack Grealish and Danny Welbeck.

"I'm surprised Watkins is not in this squad," says Rooney. "We have an opportunity where we don't need to see Harry Kane - give him a rest. This is where the manager should be saying - 'you are not with us, go and have a rest'."

Emile Heskey joins the podcast this week and there's also a nugget on Rooney setting a somewhat different example for a young Theo Walcott while on England duty.

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on who would be in your dream Aston Villa's Premier League XI?

Here are some of your comments:

Nick: 4-2-3-1. Martinez, Wright, Mellberg, McGrath, Konsa, Delaney, Barry, Kamara, Grealish, Yorke, Watkins. These are the best players in their positions I've seen, and Alan Wright is a legend.

Freya: 4-4-2. Martinez, Young, McGrath, Konsa, Milner, Grealish, Barry, Kamara, Tielemans, Watkins, Agbonlahor. Combination of Villa icons and players that have made history and broken records in recent years. I can remember iconic moments from most of the players and other names that are passed down to new generations in Villa households as legends.

Zee: 4-4-2. Bosnich, Young, McGrath, Mellberg, Konsa, Rogers, Kamara, Barry, Luiz, Benteke, Watkins. A mixture of old and new that would really gel together.

Josh: 4-2-3-1. Martinez, Mellberg, McGrath, Laursen, Bouma, Barry, Tielemans, Milner, Carbone, Young, Angel. Some memories shared with my dad growing up, pretending to be them at the park, to being able to watch a couple of them with my kids. It's more memories than actual ability.

David: 5-3-2. Martinez, Bouma, McGrath, Nielsen, Mellberg, Digne, Barry, Petrov, Rogers, Angel, Carew. Best keeper in the world, strong back five, creative and combative midfield, strength and guile up front.

Matt: 4-4-2. Schmeichel, Konsa, Mellberg, McGrath, Staunton, Taylor, Petrov, Barry, Grealish, Angel, Yorke. Players who would give their all for the cause, the badge and loved by the fans.

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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Ollie Watkins' omission from the England squad last week did not make too many headlines.

Many seemed to have taken for granted that a player who made such a fundamental contribution to England's last major tournament – scoring the winning goal in the semi-final no less – would not be required, and maybe not for the World Cup either.

Nothing personal, just maths: one goal plus no assists equals no place.

Fortunately, Thomas Tuchel offered a different explanation, noting that Watkins was "playing through discomfort", adding: "We then opted to give him this break to get treatment and to be back in full physical capacity and in best shape, and then fight for the place again in March."

That sounded reassuring.

Discomfort or not, Watkins showed up for work on Sunday against Bournemouth and got through most of the match as Villa romped to their most impressive result of the season so far.

He scored none of the goals himself though, which meant opinion on his performance was sharply divided.

The TV summariser Andy Reid selected Watkins as the man of the match, a choice both celebrated and mocked on social media, while the sub-headline on this website's match report read: "Watkins struggles".

His manager was, as always, at the front of the queue to speak up for Watkins. "He did a fantastic job," said Unai Emery.

"He played a fantastic match. Not scoring, but he is getting the performance through his work, how he opened the spaces for team-mates, how he was holding up the ball, and how he fought on the field. The goals are coming. His goals."

On BBC Radio WM, our Villa pundit Garry Thompson summed up the anxieties felt by a forward short of goals.

"Sometimes as a striker, you're waiting and trying to analyse, as opposed to just gambling and moving. Then, when the ball goes, you're that split-second behind. It happens with a lot of strikers. But I've got loads of faith in that fella.

"I believe Watkins will come back and will score goals. But you are judged as a striker on your goals."

In each of his five previous Villa seasons, Watkins has reached double figures for goals, and set up many more. Emery and many experts believe he will do so again.

But the curse of being a great team player, in an age where numbers shape the public perception more than ever, is that only goals against his name will convince his critics.

Where are you at with Watkins?

Will he rediscover his goalscoring form?

Choose your selection here

And tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 GMT on weeknights

Explore Aston Villa content on BBC Sounds

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Five Premier League stadiums will host fixtures during Euro 2028.

Uefa have selected nine venues across the four host nations - England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland - to stage the 24-team tournament.

Manchester City's Etihad Stadium will host England's opening group game should Thomas Tuchel's side qualify for the competition directly.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park, Hill Dickinson Stadium and St James' Park are the other Premier League grounds that will be used across the 51 matches overall.

The last-16 games will take place at each host stadium except Wembley, with England set to play at Newcastle United's St James' Park if they win their group, or Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium if they finish second.

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Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers is an injury doubt for England game against Serbia.

The 23-year-old was called up to Thomas Tuchel's squad for the the Three Lions' two remaining World Cup qualifiers, at home to Serbia on Thursday and in Albania on Sunday.

Rogers has been a regular recent feature for the national side, playing in all eight games and clocking up 460 minutes under Tuchel - including five starts, one goal and one assist.

However, his place in the side this week is now in doubt after Tuchel provided an update at his news conference and said: "We need to see because Morgan [Rogers] has a bit of a niggle around his hamstrings.

"Let's see how good he really feels and how responsible [it would be] to let him start. But the decision is not taken anyway and it will be taken tomorrow morning."

Rogers has featured in every match for Aston Villa this season, finding the net once and contributing three assists, and signed a new long-term deal with the club on Monday.

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Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is hopeful "one day" he will "wear the armband" for both club and country after recently leading Unai Emery's side out against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.

The 28-year-old has made 252 appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions and has 16 senior England caps to his name.

"It is a role that I want to do," Konsa told the media before England's World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Thursday night. "Recently, I've taken that responsibility for Aston Villa and I really enjoyed it.

"For me, as a defender, being a leader is really important. Who knows, maybe one day I will be able to wear the armband [permanently]."

When asked about his development in terms of making more interceptions, starting build-up play and taking time on the ball, Konsa said: "Working under Unai Emery over the last few seasons has been really important for me.

"I've looked at football differently because of the way he's wanted us to play. His style of play and my style of play has fitted amazingly. Working with him has been great for my growth.

"I'm 28 years old now and this is when they say you go into your prime, so I'm feeling really good.

"Since he has come in, I think I've managed to do what he has asked of me and I've managed to grow my game. I'm really enjoying working under him here and enjoying my football."

It's international break so let's have a bit of fun to pass the time.

Now we know football existed before 1992 but for the purposes of this little exercise, keep it Premier League please.

So tell us, who would be in your dream Aston Villa's Premier League XI?

The debate starts here.

Send your suggestions

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England boss Thomas Tuchel believes there will be "friendly competition" between Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham during the November international break.

Both attacking midfielders were named in England's 25-man squad after Bellingham's high-profile omission for the Wales friendly and the Latvia World Cup qualifier back in October.

When asked if the two Midlands-born attackers could play in the same side together, Tuchel replied: "I don't know. I guess so, but not both playing in the same position.

"Rather than finding positions for my best players just so that I can have them on the field, I prefer to put everyone in their best positions and have some competition.

"There is competition at the moment between the two of them. They are friends so it can also be friendly competition. It doesn't always have to be a case of being enemies or hating each other.

"Can they play together? Yes, but in a different structure and maybe now isn't the right moment to change our structure."

Sin bins? Bonus points? Two goals if you score from distance?

Imagine a world in which you could reinvent football.

It's a dream, of course. Just a bit of fun. But stick with us.

What if you had the power to change any of the game's laws and potentially bring to an end countless hours of discussion about handball, offside, video assistant referees, or anything else you want to?

Some of BBC Sport's familiar football faces have offered their own potential rule changes.

Watch them above or read more here

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Former Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips believes you "never become a hero" at a club until you score the winner against a local rival.

Phillips scored the winner as Aston Villa faced Birmingham at St. Andrew's in a 1-0 win in October 2005.

Recalling the game Phillips old BBC Radio WM: "I was excited, I hadn't played in a derby as big.

"I managed to score, and came off with about 15 minutes left and I was just praying, please let my goal be the winner!

"When the final whistle went, I couldn't believe I'd scored a winner for such a huge club, away at their local rivals.

"I've scored in lots of derbies for lots of clubs, but you never really become a hero until you score one of those winners.

"I can probably walk around Birmingham without a slap from a Villa fan because obviously I played for three years at the Blues."

You can listen to the full chat with Phillips here

Hannah Gowen
Fan writer

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Many clubs have enjoyed bountiful transfer activity in 2025. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been one of those with tightened pursestrings, navigating tricky financial regulations.

However, Villa have still had a year of important pen-on-paper activity as many critical players extended their contracts. These are moments that demonstrate the culture of commitment at the club, continued belief in Unai Emery, and the desire for success.

Not only do these deals mean potentially larger sales values in the future, it has been reported that some members of the squad may even have taken salary cuts in order to help with wage costs.

The run of renewals began in January, when Emiliano Buendia's contract was extended before going out on loan. Buendia now has a new lease of life at Villa, playing some of his best football and proving his extension to be a smart one.

Elsewhere, Matty Cash, Lucas Digne, Tyrone Mings and John McGinn have all signed on the dotted line - a group amassing nearly 1,000 appearances between them. They are true servicemen of the club, who have certainly improved under Emery's leadership and proven to be excellent value for money.

Speaking of value, look no further than free agent Boubacar Kamara, who also recently extended his time in claret and blue. He is now proving himself to be one of the best in his position in the league. This bit of business was one of the most important of 2025 for Villa and proves that the club remains a desirable destination for talented players.

Morgan Rogers added himself to the list this week, penning a second deal in less than two years. Rogers is one of England's most exciting young players, and Villa's ability to attract and retain this level of talent is a real statement of intent.

While PSR may be limiting the club's ability to spend, tying down the core of the squad is arguably more important than signing the next £100m player.

Find more from Hannah Gowen at UTV, external

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Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers has signed a new six-year contract to keep him at the club until 2031.

The 23-year-old joined from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for a deal worth up to £15m.

Since his arrival, he has become a key figure in Unai Emery's side, already making 86 appearances across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists.

Rogers was also voted the PFA Young Player of the Season for his impressive performances in 2024-25.

This campaign, he has featured in every match, finding the net once and contributing three assists.

The England international becomes the latest Villa player to commit his future to the club following Matty Cash and captain John McGinn signing new contracts in the past two weeks.

We asked for your views on Sunday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Bournemouth at Villa Park.

Here are some of your comments:

Aston Villa fans:

Jon: For once, Villa played on the front foot and battled for every ball in the first half. Emi Buendia was man of the match by a country mile. He tackled, chased and made space for himself and opened up the pitch for others. Simply sublime.

Ian: That's more like it, Villa! Excellent all-round performance and could have scored more but Emi Martinez's penalty save was crucial. Ollie Watkins worked so hard and his goals will come. We now have a very strong bench and when all are fit, Unai Emery will have some difficult decisions to make but that is a good position to be in. My only concern is what is going on with Harvey Elliott. I think he is a real talent and I do hope it works out. Keep the faith!

Prit: Probably Villa's best performance of the season so far. Our transition was much quicker and we actually put our chances away. Bournemouth have been fantastic this season but were just off their pace. Emi Buendia must be contributing to his own goal of the season competition, surely he must be close to a call up for Argentina. Martinez was much better and shoed what a great goalkeeper he is when he concentrates. Still a worry for Ollie Watkins, who just needs a goal bouncing off his backside to bring the confidence back.

Mike: This was a terrific performance from Villa that should really set the benchmark for the rest of the season. When the game started to swing against us in the second half the substitututions made us even more attack-minded which was the perfect strategy. More please!

Bournemouth fans:

Peter: Bournemouth have been on a great run. But this was a wake-up call. The intensity was missing and Villa took advantage of winning the midfield battle with ease. The early clash of heads affected the Bournemouth players and Amadou Onana and John McGinn dominated the game. Bournemouth didn't deserve anything. It could have been a bigger scoreline.

Davie: The keeper is terrible. How people think he is an upgrade on Mark Travers astonishes me.

Mick: Well played Aston Villa and a wake-up call for the Cherries. Two tough away games, as thought we might get a draw out of one of them. I'm sure they will regroup and be much better when we get back from the international break. At least it might take some of the hype away from us and we can get back to flying under the radar.

Bob: Poor defence again. We tired in the last 20 minutes and had a definite lack of physical presence at the back. 4-0 flattered a tired team performance.

Match of the Day pundit Wayne Rooney says the "commitment" shown by Aston Villa on and off the ball was the key to their emphatic 4-0 win over Bournemouth at Villa Park.

Speaking on the show, Rooney said: "Aston Villa were excellent. The energy, the intensity, and the attitude to always go and win the ball back was excellent.

"The scoreline was well deserved because of the energy and commitment."

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Aston Villa 4-0 Bournemouth

• Brentford 3-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 0-0 Brighton

• Nottingham Forest 3-1 Leeds

• Man City 3-0 Liverpool

Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist

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Aston Villa's apparent attacking shortcomings - especially in the early part of the season - have been well documented.

Those sluggish early games, when they went four matches without scoring, now feel like a distant memory.

After a fourth consecutive home win, Villa Park looks to be back to the fortress Unai Emery made it last season, when they lost just once in the league.

Their biggest margin of victory this season was underpinned by an impressive display by Emiliano Buendia, as the revival of his Villa career continues.

Buendia's future looked uncertain in the summer after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen after struggling to break into the Villa side.

His performance against Bournemouth was purposeful, and was capped with a fine goal.

The 28-year-old Argentine won the Premier League's goal of the month award for October for his winner against Tottenham.

He provided a contender for November with the opener on Sunday, getting his effort up and over the Bournemouth wall with goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic only able to watch it fly into the net.

While Bunedia enjoyed a good day - he is now Villa's top scorer with three - it was one of frustration for Ollie Watkins.

Watkins has scored just once in 16 games in all competitions for the club this season.

Getting a tune out of the 29-year-old striker will be high on Emery's to-do list.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery speaking to BBC Match Of The Day after their 4-0 victory over Bournemouth: "Very happy - how we responded and prepared for the match, we were very focussed and we were very demanding on how we were planning to play this game. We responded very well.

"How we are building the team with different players, trying to manage playing Europe and the Premier League. A huge effort physically and mentally today.

"After the match we played on Thursday, managing some players and trying to get the best out of them... This is important to build the team and understand how we want to build the team for the rest of the season.

"How we managed each moment, build up, second balls, the players were so focussed. Everything we needed to respond. We were fantastic and defensively, we struggled in the second half a little but reacted. We scored another two goals and so happy and proud of how we are building here with our supporters to feel strong.

"Very important how every player is trying to add their qualities. Emi [Martinez] did a fantastic save early on and for the penalty."

Listen to more from Emery on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Aston Villa's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery makes six changes from their 2-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League during the week.

Matty Cash, John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, Ollie Watkins, Lucas Digne and Boubacar Kamara are all recalled to the starting line-up.

Ian Maatsen, Victor Lindelof, Lamare Bogarde, Jadon Sancho, Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen all drop to the bench.

Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, McGinn, Buendia, Kamara, Rogers, Watkins

Subs: Bizot, Lindelof, Barkley, Tielemans, Malen, Sancho, Maatsen, Bogarde, Guessand

Andoni Iraola makes four changes to the Bournemouth side which lost 3-1 at Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend as Evanilson, Adam Smith, Justin Kluivert and Veljko Milosavljevic all return to the side.

Bafode Diakite, Alejandro Jimenez, David Brooks and Junior Kroupi are the players named among the substitutes.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Truffert, Senesi, Milosavljevic, Smith, Scott, Adams, Tavernier, Semenyo, Evanilson, Kluivert.

Subs: Dennis, Cook, Brooks, Christie, Gannon-Doak Diakite, Jimenez, Adli, Kroupi

There are five games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Brentford v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Crystal Palace v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Nottingham Forest v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Liverpool (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction from the 14:00 games here

And go here for Man City v Liverpool

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Aston Villa v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Liverpool", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Aston Villa were on a really good run until they lost at Liverpool last weekend, and they were quite unlucky at Anfield too.

Even so, I find it very difficult to write off Bournemouth in games like this. They can cause any team problems and I always feel like they will score.

I admire Unai Emery for sticking to his guns tactically. He has his principles and, even with people talking about teams having success by going direct this season, he hasn't changed his approach.

However, that might have given Liverpool a bit of encouragement and it may give Bournemouth some encouragement too.

Playing in the Europa League on Thursday won't help Villa either and that toll of games could catch up with them at some point.

The Cherries rescued a point with a 96th-minute goal in this fixture last season and I have a feeling it will end up all square this time too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here