England boss Thomas Tuchel made it clear earlier this season:
“Teams win trophies, no-one else.”
And Morgan Rogers is proving exactly why he deserves his spot.
The 23-year-old Aston Villa midfielder has started four of England’s last five matches, edging ahead of big names like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. His two-goal performance in Villa’s victory over Leeds added more weight to his rising influence.
Unai Emery praised his development, saying Rogers has been “fantastic” even when not scoring, and his recent form has matched Villa’s surge up the table.
Improving Form and Rising Numbers
Rogers now has three goals and two assists in his last seven league games. Emery’s push for him to attack the box more is paying off, with the midfielder admitting:
“The manager’s always banging on at me to get into the box… that’s where the goals are.”
Statistically, Rogers competes well with England’s best attackers. Since the start of last season, he matches Foden in goals (17), trails Bellingham by just one, and leads the pack in assists, dribbles, and touches in the box.
His first free-kick goal for Villa on Sunday highlighted yet another asset in his evolving game.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy summed it up:
“Rogers’ individual brilliance won Villa the game.”
With his versatility, athleticism, and momentum, the battle for England’s number 10 spot next summer is very much alive—and Rogers is right in the center of it.
