International Duty: Two Villans Called Into Three Lions Squad

Congratulations are in order for Aston Villa pair Tyrone Mings and Tom Heaton, as they are the newest claret and blue members to join the England squad.

On Thursday, England manager Gareth Southgate revealed his squad for the upcoming September Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo. Aston Villa, once again gracing the Premier League, have three very deserving candidates for call-ups.

But the question remained: Who would be included?

Gregg Evans broke the news about an hour before release that centre-back Tyrone Mings received a first-time call-up to the national team.

That was confirmed when the official announcement dropped the full squad. Mings joined Harry Maguire, Michael Keane, and Joe Gomez as the four centre-backs in the team. It’s a huge testament to Mings’ ability to overcome serious injuries and rebound under blistering form. He has been nothing short of sensational for the past nine months in the claret and blue. There is a very good chance he will start one of the two qualifiers.

Tom Heaton, too, was re-introduced to the squad, joining his old Burnley teammate Nick Pope and Everton’s Jordan Pickford. While Pickford remains the No. 1 between the sticks, his starting spot has begun to warm-up after indifferent form these last fourteen months or so. Could Heaton usurp Pope and Pickford and start one of the two qualifiers as well?

There was no place for Jack Grealish in Southgate’s team, but his time will come this season. The fact is, Mason Mount and James Maddison are incredible players that feature in similar positions to the Villa captain. We’re arguing semantics on who of the three is deserving vs. not deserving.

That being said, Grealish >>> Ross Barkey or Jesse Lingard.

Oh, it’s a good feeling to see Villa players back in the England squad.