Ibrahim Mbaye and Victor Muñoz offer contrasting solutions on the flanks.
The 18-year-old Mbaye, linked with Villa from Paris Saint-Germain, has featured in five of Senegal’s past six matches. His profile is clear: pace, direct running and the ability to operate on either wing. Senegal’s group fixtures against France on 16 June, Norway on 23 June and Iraq on 26 June could test whether his attacking qualities translate under sustained pressure.
Muñoz, meanwhile, is a more established option. The 22-year-old Osasuna winger recorded six goals and two assists in 34 La Liga appearances last season, although he is expected to begin Spain’s World Cup campaign from the bench. His situation is also complicated by Real Madrid’s 50% rights stake and a reported €40 million buy-back clause.
Goalkeeping remains another recruitment issue if doubts over Emi Martínez’s future continue. Bart Verbruggen has been linked with Villa, but the Brighton goalkeeper must first prove his fitness after a hip injury. His expected involvement for the Netherlands against Japan on 14 June, Tunisia on 20 June and Sweden on 25 June could be decisive.
Further forward, Omar Marmoush enters the tournament after a disrupted first full season at Manchester City. Injury and international duty restricted him to 16 starts, making Egypt’s games against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran important for his next move.
Rashford’s position is more immediate. His Barcelona loan has followed a productive spell at Villa Park, but the option to buy reportedly expires on 15 June - the same day the transfer window opens.
Villa may therefore need to decide before England face Croatia on 17 June. The next storyline is whether tournament performances reinforce Emery’s recruitment priorities, or send Villa back into the market for different profiles.