Other Games - 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Edition (+ warm-up matches): Villa-watch

[rob_bridge]

Has England finally plugged the leaks as no team news yet on who is starting.

Assume no news is same team with changes for 3rd game assuming win tonight. I'd pick Guehi ahead of Stones. Other than that leave as is. Keep Saka for later.

[Somniloquism]

I suspect something similar, but the last few matches have had releases on who was starting through the press quite early, sometimes 24 hours before the match. I thought it was something Tuchel needed to stop and it seems he has managed it.

[Dogtanian]

The big one tonight!

My plan to get the other half to agree to ordering a pizza have come to naught, on account of the kick-off time being so late. But I have been promised we can have one for the first England game at a reasonable kick-off and I haven't dared check if there will be one.

Third group game is 2200 but as long as England don't throw away top spot, July 1st is 1700 ko. If we finish 2nd it is early hours on July 3rd. So as long as 1700 isn't seen as an silly early time for Pizza, you should be fine.

Edit: Assuming winning group, after the 1st July, you are then looking at the Semifinal and final as 2000 kick-offs. If we finished 2nd and then win all matches, they all seem to be 2000 at the moment.

PS, I haven't taken into account changes due to 3rd place finished but I don't think that affects the 1st and 2nd teams.

Thanks! Going to keep my fingers crossed and may have to sneak out of work a bit earlier. 

[LeeB]

My money would be on exactly the same team, but Guehi in for Stones.

I think the BBC would disagree, as every discussion about defensive issues after the last game carries a picture of Konsa with it.

[Hookeysmith]

My money would be on exactly the same team, but Guehi in for Stones.

I think the BBC would disagree, as every discussion about defensive issues after the last game carries a picture of Konsa with it.

Clearly Stones is the media darling - i have never seen what all the fuss is about to be honest

[Chip Butty 111]

Konsa surely is first pick you'd think on this seasons form. Stones has played about half a dozen games for City, and Guehi has never really impressed me tbh. Solid player but looks flat footed at times, and guilty of a horrible howler which gifted Arsenal the bloody title.
Anyway that's me with my Villa hat on.

[PeterWithesShin]

We're all Uzbeki ay we.

[Dogtanian]

We're all Uzbeki ay we.

I’m in.

[German James]

Here's me with my Villa hat on:

[Somniloquism]

Rat-face had a shot he didn't score from, then was almost on his hands and knees begging Ronaldo to forgive him.

[Somniloquism]

And then a perfect ball in and Ronny couldn't get his zimmer frame to it.

[PeterWithesShin]

"he's 41 and shit but he should start as people want to see the circus act"

[Somniloquism]

TBH he should start as it means Portugal won't get anywhere. But I do feel sorry for the few players I don't mind like Vitinha who deserves better.

[Dogtanian]

For gods sakes… 

[Somniloquism]

Bugger.