Thomas Tuchel could go big and bold after what Morgan Rogers did for England against Serbia.
Morgan Rogers sent a powerful message with an emphatic performance for England against Serbia on Tuesday night.
The 23-year-old has had a difficult start to the new season with Aston Villa, prompting doubts over his form and consistency, but he threw all scepticism out of the window with a commanding display in Belgrade. Rogers may not have got on the scoresheet in the 5-0 thrashing but he was arguably the best player on the pitch.
Rogers stayed on for the full 90 minutes and proved his worth as an ultimate ball carrier and playmaker. The Villa man didn’t actually attempt a single shot but he created more chances (5) and completed more take-ons (3) than any other England player, while he won both of his aerial duels.
The most impressive moment of Rogers’ night, and the one that will be remembered for a long time to come, was his assist for Noni Madueke’s goal. Rogers dropped into a half space to receive a pass from Elliot Anderson and spotted Madueke’s darting run in his periphery, flicking the ball first time through the legs of an oncoming defender.
It was sumptuous from Rogers. Not only did he nutmeg the opponent, but the technique from an awkward angle and the weight of the pass were absolutely perfect. Madueke still had a lot to do as he sprinted through on goal and dinked the goalkeeper, but serious credit must go to Rogers.
Thomas Tuchel could take bombshell Morgan Rogers stance
England boss Thomas Tuchel has come under fire for many of his team’s performances during his tenure so far, but no criticism can come his way for the display in Belgrade. The Three Lions, despite winning to nil, have been ponderous in other games and lacked cutting edge. That changed against Serbia.
It was Tuchel’s best game yet, without a doubt, and Rogers played a pivotal role. Just as he has for Villa on so many occasions, Rogers was the link between the midfield double pivot and the attack. Rogers, shrugging off defenders and driving through the centre, was the one who allowed his teammates the freedom to make runs into the channels.
Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, two of the star players in this squad, have both been absent for England due to injuries this September. Tuchel could be bold when they return and decide to start Rogers ahead of them, he was that good.
It would definitely be controversial to drop Bellingham out of England’s best XI, but there’s certainly an argument for Rogers starting in some World Cup matches to give Bellingham a rest. The same can be said for Palmer, with Rogers also able to play on either flank if required. But his best position, as Villa fans will tell you, is in behind the striker.
Another Aston Villa gem impresses for England
Rogers wasn’t the only Villan to star for the Three Lions as central defender Ezri Konsa played a key role in preserving the clean sheet in a dominant display alongside Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Not only that, but both Konsa and Guehi scored their first senior goals for their country.
Konsa made the most of some good fortune as Harry Kane’s shot cannoned off the goalkeeper, deflected off a defender and fell in his path at the far post, but he still had to anticipate the ball before the defenders did. It was a brilliant moment for Konsa as he marked his 15th cap with his first goal.
There’s a good chance Konsa plays regularly at the World Cup at this rate, as he has played the full 90 minutes in four of England’s last six outings. The friendly against Senegal was the only one he didn’t feature in at all, while he came off the bench for a 14-minute cameo against Andorra at Villa Park last Saturday.
Unai Emery will be hoping Konsa and Rogers, as well as Ollie Watkins who came off the bench for England against Serbia, can carry over some confidence from international duty. Villa, on the back of one draw and two defeats in their opening three Premier League matches, will be eager to put an end to their poor form with a better showing away at Everton.
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