McGinn's advice for the next generationpublished at 09:54 BST 9 June
09:54 BST 9 June
Tom English BBC Scotland chief sports writer
Image source, Getty Images
With 20 Scotland goals to his name, John McGinn ranks fifth in his nation's all-time top scorer chart, a shortlist of icons from down the generations.
He's 10 behind Denis Law and Sir Kenny Dalglish, the greatest players who ever put on a Scotland jersey, three behind the 1928 Wembley Wizard Hughie Gallacher and two behind Lawrie Reilly, the Hibs immortal.
He's arriving at this World Cup in the finest form of his life, a Europa League winner, a Champions League place secured for next season and his childhood World Cup dream realised. He was three years old the last time Scotland played on the biggest stage.
McGinn was reflective when asked about his early years. "I remember going into the St Mirren changing room before one of my first starts and Stevie Thompson said, 'It's your jersey now, keep it'. And that stuck in my head my whole career."
What Thompson said to McGinn then, McGinn is saying now to the younger members in Clarke's squad - Tyler Fletcher and Findlay Curtis aged 19 (he turns 20 on Tuesday) and Ben Gannon-Doak aged 20.
"If these boys get a chance to get their jersey, whether that's mine, [Scott] McTominay's, Che Adams', it's theirs to keep.
"That's what you want in any club, any nation. We all want the one thing and that's the country to be successful.
"So the young players aren't here to make up the numbers. They're here to make an impact and start their own careers with Scotland. And if that means taking someone out of the team, that's their job."
In McGinn, they have the best mentor they could possibly have, a player with fire and class and belief, a leader who's waited his entire career for weeks like these.
The Aston Villa players at the World Cuppublished at 07:33 BST 9 June
07:33 BST 9 June
The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Villans selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.
The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.
Aston Villa's World Cup contingent:
Lucas Digne (France)
Evann Guessand (Ivory Coast)
Ezri Konsa (England)
Victor Lindelof (Sweden)
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
John McGinn (Scotland)
Amadou Onana (Belgium)
Morgan Rogers (England)
Youri Tielemans (Belgium)
Ollie Watkins (England)
Image caption,
The above graphic is based on the 2025-26 Premier League clubs and squad lists
Squad depth and get deals done early - fans on changes needed for next seasonpublished at 16:45 BST 5 June
16:45 BST 5 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Aston Villa before the new campaign and why.
Here are some of your comments:
Matt: The Villa squad needs depth. Our best XI is a match for any team in the league, as was shown on our great run earlier in the season, but a few injuries left us slow, passive and leaky. Good backups across the pitch would help take us to the next level and is especially important if we're to compete in the Champions League and the Premier League at the same time. That, and a right winger, and we're golden.
Andy: Paradigm shift in my thinking since we won a trophy - keep as many as we can and add strength in depth. New creativity on both wings and a right-back is enough.
Chay: The quality of players on the bench. We had a midfield crisis with Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans injured and had to rely on just Douglas Luiz, Lamare Bogarde and Amadou Onana. Their quality in midfield wasn't great and just shows, especially when Unai Emery played Victor Lindelof, as a defender who was outstanding in midfield, over all three of them. We need to get rid of these benchwarmers and have players who can disrupt Emery's strong XI.
Dennice: We should get all our main transfers done by August so the players can gel in well in time and adapt to Emery-ball. We need reinforcements in every department; goalkeeping, defence, midfield and attack. All of which should be done before we play PSG in the Super Cup.
Stephen: We need a striker who can bag 20-25 goals in the league. This would help with trying to maintain ourselves in the top five. I would suggest that we try to get Igor Thiago from Brentford as previous recruitment from there has been good.
Villa to face Walsall and Monchengladbach in pre-seasonpublished at 12:51 BST 5 June
12:51 BST 5 June
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Europa League winners Aston Villa have added pre-season friendly matches against Walsall and German club Villa to face Walsall and Borussia Monchengladbach to their pre-season schedule.
Unai Emery's side will make the short trip to face League Two Walsall on Tuesday, 21 July at 19:30 BST.
Villa will also travel to Germany to face Monchengladbach on Saturday, 15 August, the weekend before the 2026-27 Premier League campaign begins.
Monchengladbach finished 12th in the Bundesliga in 2025-26.
With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.
Which clubs have the most players?
Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).
Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.
The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.
'Get Foden anyway and keep Rogers - job done'published at 16:10 BST 4 June
16:10 BST 4 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Aston Villa should cash in on Morgan Rogers with reports that he is wanted by other Premier League clubs and whether Manchester City's Phil Foden could be a suitable replacement for him.
Here are some of your comments:
Joe: Villa should try their hardest to keep Rogers. Instead of "moving heaven and earth" to get Foden - who I don't think is on Rogers' level - they should move heaven and earth to keep Rogers. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at the moment, which is clear because of the interest he is getting. So keep Morgan.
Simon: In my heart, not a chance! However, that being said, look at how the money from selling Jack Grealish helped to transform us. Overall, I would hope Rogers gives us another season and then cash in if we qualify for Champions League football again. UTV.
Paul: Foden to replace Rogers? I sincerely hope not!
Prit: In a word, NO. Foden is a very good player but he is not as good as Rogers. The last time we brought in a player from Manchester City (Stephen Ireland as the makeweight in the James Milner sale), it was a disaster. Rogers has a five-year contract so there is no obligation to sell, but if he is to go, the price MUST be in excess of £125m, not the quoted "in excess of £80m" by certain journalists. In fact, Aston Villa should build a team around Rogers so we can seriously contend for senior honours.
Rob: I know Rogers has been inconsistent at times but we must not sell him because he's one of only a few signings Unai Emery's made that gets into his best XI. Otherwise our recruitment has been hit and miss. We struggled the season we sold Grealish for £100m, even with three expensive signings, and I could see us going the same way again if Rogers leaves this summer.
Luke: No thanks to Foden. Would be astronomically expensive wage-wise and he's too lightweight. We need someone taller and stronger in that role - someone like Rogers.
MChopper: Villa should just get Foden anyway and keep Rogers. Job done. We need to grow, not stay the same.
Tony: Rogers isn't going anywhere unless you're looking at a record bid. He is the best young attacking midfielder in the Premier League based on output, but more his potential and physicality. So anything short of what was spent on Alexander Isak, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo is an insult. £150m and then maybe Villa will be tempted, but please stop with the £80m nonsense.
Villa striker Abraham has surgerypublished at 14:04 BST 4 June
14:04 BST 4 June
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Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham has undergone surgery.
The 28-year-old posted an image of himself lying in a hospital bed along with the words "op done" on his Instagram stories on Wednesday evening.
Abraham can be seen wearing an arm sling and it appears he has undergone shoulder surgery.
The striker, signed in January for £18.2m from Besiktas, has not played since early May and was on the bench for key fixtures such as the Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest and subsequent final win over Freiburg.
Gossip: Villa keen on West Ham's Summervillepublished at 06:54 BST 4 June
06:54 BST 4 June
AC Milan have emerged as serious contenders to sign Crysencio Summerville, 24, from West Ham, with the Dutch winger also attracting interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham. (Teamtalk), external
Should Aston Villa cash in on Rogers and buy Foden?published at 17:33 BST 3 June
17:33 BST 3 June
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With a number of Premier League clubs eyeing up a move for Morgan Rogers this summer, BBC Radio WM's Daz Hale believes Manchester City's Phil Foden could be an ideal replacement and Aston Villa "should move heaven and earth" to sign him.
Rogers made 55 appearances in all competitions in 2025-26, scoring 14 goals and contributing 12 assists, while Foden featured 50 times in all competitions this campaign, netting 10 goals and registering seven assists.
According to BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, Rogers could cost in excess of £80m this summer, but is now the right time for Villa to cash in on one of their most valuable assets?
"The club has already said that every summer they will have to do some wheeling and dealing because of the constant battle with PSR," Hale explained on BBC Radio WM's Summer Sport programme.
"They have spent a lot of money on wages of late, with people like Jadon Sancho on £300,000-a-week and Harvey Elliott being on whatever amount he is on.
"When it comes to Morgan Rogers, if he decides now is the time for him to make the step up in his mind to another club, whether that is here or abroad, I would take the money.
"Then I would be going to Manchester City and trying to bring Phil Foden to Villa Park. He needs a fresh start after not being able to get into the World Cup squad. There is probably going to be a bit of evolution at Manchester City anyway, after Pep Guardiola's departure.
"So, if the club lose Rogers, they should move heaven and earth to get Foden. He would be a superstar at Villa. He would also be back in the England team in no time."
BBC Radio WM's Mike Taylor added: "Villa don't need to sell Rogers, but it is the most likely route to achieving what they need next season, which is a better squad.
"Although the current squad is bigger and tougher than it was two years ago, which is why they were able to sustain their push to the end of the Europa League, they are going to need it to be better to achieve their ambitions."
What do you think? Should Villa cash in on Rogers? Would you back a move for Foden to replace him?
Gossip: Villa intent on keeping Rodgerspublished at 07:28 BST 3 June
07:28 BST 3 June
Aston Villa are aware of interest in attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers from a number of clubs, including Arsenal, but have no intention of selling the 23-year-old England international. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta remain keen to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis amid interest from Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Newcastle and Tottenham in the 28-year-old England international. (The I), external
Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are interested in Club Brugge's German striker Nicolo Tresoldi, 21, after a prolific season in Belgium. (The Athletic - subscription required), external
Unbreakable - watch new Milner documentarypublished at 15:48 BST 2 June
15:48 BST 2 June
In a new BBC Sport documentary, James Milner reflects on a career that has ended at 40, after making a record 658 Premier League appearances with six different clubs.
Team-mates and coaches reveal the drive behind 24 years at the top.
Next steps for Villa after historic seasonpublished at 11:56 BST 2 June
11:56 BST 2 June
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Aston Villa are looking to move into a new era.
A Europa League win over Freiburg earned the club's first trophy in 30 years while they also sealed a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Manager Unai Emery delivered Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons as he made good on his promise to bring silverware to Villa Park.
They are looking to challenge the established order in the top flight, having worked under strict financial restrictions.
After a historic campaign how do Villa move to the next level?
It has felt like Villa have gatecrashed a party they have not been invited to.
They have finished fourth, sixth and fourth in the past three seasons. How to continue that is the question.
Emery's team is getting older but, under him they have disrupted the top order consistently more than others.
In order to remain competitive Villa are expected to trade and, before the Europa League win, there was a growing belief the current squad had come to the end of its lifespan.
That has been challenged since the triumph in Istanbul and while the plan is to add more depth to be able to compete on all fronts, wholesale changes of the protagonists are not expected.
Although, there has been a previous willingness to allow goalkeeper Emi Martinez to leave, with interest in Manchester City's James Trafford.
Villa will still need to raise money to comply with Premier League and Uefa financial regulations, with Morgan Rogers the obvious big sale if needed and a top target for Arsenal.
In terms of incomings, a winger and a right-back, who can also play centre-back, are high on the agenda with Andres Garcia expected to move to Valencia after struggling to make an impact.
There have also been thoughts about revamping the left-back role with more physicality, while another body in midfield is desired.
Villa have also been long-term admirers of Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes.
They would be interested should the Magpies be willing to cut a deal but there is the expectation, after Barnes' 16 goals this season and Anthony Gordon's Barcelona move, he will not be available on the cheap.
There lies one of the problems for Villa. In order to improve they will need to spend and the recognition is the players who would elevate them would cost at least £40m.
Gossip: Guessand considering his future optionspublished at 07:55 BST 2 June
07:55 BST 2 June
Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand, 24, is considering his options after the expiry of a clause in his loan from Aston Villa to Crystal Palace to make the move permanent. (Evening Standard), external
Aston Villa are willing to let Spanish right-back Andres Garcia, 23, leave the club on loan in the summer, with Valencia and Elche among the interested clubs. (Tribuna Deportiva - in Spanish), external
'A brilliant professional' who is 'always a Villan' - your Milner memoriespublished at 16:37 BST 1 June
16:37 BST 1 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your memories of James Milner in an Aston Villa shirt after the midfielder announced his retirement from playing, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.
Here are some of your comments:
Robert: I remember Milly's last game with Villa. He knew he was going to Manchester City and yet he gave his best performance in a Villa shirt, flying into tackles and covering every blade of glass until he was substituted late on to a standing ovation. I think he may even have scored. Always a Villan despite having spent much of his career elsewhere. A model professional in an era when for many players it's all about the money.
Shak: What a player he was for Villa. An absolute beast in that Martin O'Neill side back then. Got stuck in, drove teams forward, scored and assisted. The game that stands out the most? The crazy cup game against Blackburn. He was sensational. Good luck for the future, James.
Prit: Milner was a great player for Villa and I was very sorry when he left. If he had stayed, Villa could have really challenged at the top. Every time he came back to Villa Park, he always received a great reception - a real testament of the man.
Elliot: Remember him scoring the penalty in the 2010 League Cup final as I watched from a pub in Sheffield, surrounded by Manchester United fans. The feeling didn't last, of course, as we went on to lose 2-1, but he had me on cloud nine right up until half-time. Wishing him all the best in retirement.
Dean: Best memories of Milner when playing for Villa are his work-rate and just giving his all.
Neil: I remember Milner's deal to join City was pretty much already done, yet he still played for Villa in the first game of the season versus West Ham. Although an injury may have scuppered the deal, he gave a totally committed performance in the centre of midfield - scoring a goal to top it off. What a brilliant professional. I wish him all the best in the future.
A fine sub and an assist king - Milner's numberspublished at 12:54 BST 1 June
12:54 BST 1 June
James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.
He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.
He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.
Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).
Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.
His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.
'To the fans, thank you' - send us your best Milner moments and memoriespublished at 11:43 BST 1 June
11:43 BST 1 June
Image source, Getty Images
Former Aston Villa midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from playing, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.
The 40-year-old, who had a loan spell at Villa Park in 2005-06 before signing a permanent deal in 2008, played for six different teams in England's top flight.
After making his Premier League debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old in 2002, he went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances.
Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.
"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton - and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town - has been an incredible privilege.
"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.
"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.
"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.
"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What were his best moments in an Aston Villa shirt, and what are your favourite memories?
Image source, Getty Images
