England star is giving Thomas Tuchel a substantial headache ahead of next summer’s World Cup


On Sunday, Morgan Rogers delivered a masterclass with the Aston Villa star’s brilliant brace firing his side to a 2-1 victory over Manchester United.

It was another sublime performance from the 23-year-old, whose heroics ensured that Villa are just three points behind Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title. That, certainly, was something few saw coming at the beginning of the season.


Rogers’ two goals were unstoppable, a sign of a player who is heading right for the very top of the sport. If he continues at this current rate then Villa might, just might, upset the odds by winning the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Manager Unai Enery is delighted with his prized asset. Speaking after the game, the Spaniard dubbed Rogers a ‘protagonist’ as he waxed lyrical over his latest standout display.

“We need the numbers of the players and today and last week Morgan Rogers is performing fantastically, but he has started the season not getting [goalscoring] numbers but playing well,” Emery said.

“Always doing his task, always with the commitment he’s showing, with the attitude he has, played each match. Today he did the same and scored goals, of course. He is the protagonist.

“I’m so, so happy because he’s a fighter. He’s a good guy, very good guy. His commitment with Aston Villa is massive, and his attitude every day is really fantastic.

Morgan Rogers

Morgan Rogers was outstanding for Aston Villa in their 2-1 win over Manchester United

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PA

“And when he’s getting numbers like today, of course we are very proud of everybody, but especially today with him.”

Emery is not, however, the only manager who will be pleased to see Rogers lighting up the top-flight.

He has already won the respect and admiration of Thomas Tuchel and the England boss, without a doubt, has a major selection headache as next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico creeps closer.

Jude Bellingham Thomas Tuchel

Jude Bellingham has an uneasy relationship with England boss Thomas Tuchel

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England aren’t short of players who can perform in the No 10 role. Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, are all best in that area.

But Rogers is doing everything he can to boost his own chances of playing there next summer. Based on Sunday’s electrifying performance, the spot might now be his to lose.

Bellingham has quality but brings baggage. There have been reports saying that he’s a rather solitary figure within international camps and his relationship with Tuchel is slightly uneasy.

The Real star was unhappy during the recent international break when he found himself on the bench for a match with Serbia. He was equally furious when, days later against Albania, he was replaced by Rogers. Footage showed Bellingham acting petulantly and Tuchel had to face some uncomfortable questions in the aftermath of that contest.

Then there’s Palmer who, for all his Chelsea brilliance, is yet to truly adapt to life on the international stage.

He undoubtedly has the talent and potential to get better but Palmer is exemplary in blue, rather than white. With injuries blighting is campaign, he’s no longer a guarantee to be on the plane to next summer’s showpiece tournament.

Morgan Rogers looks like the natural fit for the No 10 role for England at the next World Cup

Morgan Rogers looks like the natural fit for the No 10 role for England at the next World Cup

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The same can be said of Foden, too.

For years, the England international has delivered the goods for Manchester City, playing a key role in their dominance of the top-flight under Pep Guardiola.

Yet like Palmer, he’s never really produced his usual magic for the Three Lions. During Gareth Soutgate’s time in charge, Foden would often find himself shunted out wide. Tuchel has made it clear he won’t be following his predecessor’s lead on that and Foden, while ticking along nicely for City, may find himself being a squad player as opposed to being given a starring role.

Rogers now has 10 goal involvements from 17 league matches (seven goals, three assists).

He is performing at such a high level that Villa fans are dreaming of title glory come the end of the campaign.

And he’s also giving Tuchel serious food for thought. The No 10 spot should be his if he continues to shine between now and the end of the season.

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