Host of Aston Villa Players on International Duty
By Josh Tonti
News and posts on all Aston Villa players as they represent their respective nations across the globe.
World Cup Qualifying is well underway for all confederations. Let’s take a look at all the claret and blues trying to punch their ticket to Russia 2018 and Gabon 2017:
Alan Hutton will enjoy a bit of sun as he and the Scotland squad travel to Ta’Qali, Malta in UEFA World Cup Qualifying. Hutton is expected to start at his right full back position on Sunday.
After an impressive 2-0 victory over Iraq on Thursday, Mile Jedinak and the Australian Socceroos travel to Abu Dhabi to take on the UAE in AFC World Cup Qualifying. A win there would put them in the driver’s seat with matches still to play.
A pair of Aston Villa players contest in grueling Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Jordan Ayew’s Ghana squad take on Rwanda with little more than pride to play for on the line. Ayew is to be assessed before the match as he’s dealing with a knock. New signing Jonathan Kodjia links up with the Ivory Coast team as they need a single point against Sierra Leone in order to advance. Both Ghana and the Ivory Coast are widely expected to compete for the title in Gabon 2017.
A trio of Aston Villa youngsters take the pitch for the England U19s as they face Belgium on Sunday. Andre Green, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, and Easah Suliman all included.
Moreover, Jack Grealish continues to feature for the England U21s as he was called in for a match against Norway.
On Monday, James Chester and his Wales team begin their 2018 World Cup bid. After a hugely successful Euro Semifinal run, manager Chris Coleman called in a largely unchanged squad from the one that triumphed this summer. Expect Chester to start in central defense along their back three system. Moldova travel to Cardiff for Monday’s match–Aaron Ramsey is a notable absentee as he is out injured.
Finally, Jordan Amavi takes his place with the France U21s after that horrific knee injury that sidelined him most of last year. Definitely great to see him back as it shows how widely respected he is in the French Football circles. In addition to Amavi’s youth team link-up, Kevin Toner takes on Iceland with the Ireland U21s.