Morgan Rogers and Thomas Tuchel both looking at each other seriously.
Credit: Imago
Jacob Raw
Thu 13 November 2025 10:10, UK
Gabby Agbonlahor was taken aback by a suggestion that Morgan Rogers should not start for England against Serbia.
Aston Villa have returned to form recently, and many players are back to their best, including Rogers.
The Englishman has become the Villans’ creative heartbeat, with Rogers now showcasing his Premier League quality as goals and assists return to his game.
Rogers’ good form was rewarded with a new Villa contract, as the England international is set to stay at B6 until 2031.
However, not everyone sees the hype in Rogers, and Villa fans may be baffled at the latest remarks on their star man.
Morgan Rogers looking concentrated playing for Aston Villa
Credit: Imago
Gabby Agbonlahor and Alan Brazil disagree over Morgan Rogers’ England involvement
Rogers is set to make his 11th appearance in a Three Lions shirt if he plays against Serbia on Thursday, and he seems to be one of Thomas Tuchel’s favourites.
One of Rogers’ best England performances came under Tuchel in his country’s 3-0 win over Wales back in October.
Aston Villa England vs Wales Morgan Rogers stats
Credit: Imago
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Discussing live on talkSPORT, ex-Villa forward Agbonlahor was shocked at what presenter Alan Brazil had to say on Rogers ahead of the England match.
Agbonlahor said: “Rogers, who’s been outstanding. Rogers, for me [should start] – the manager loves him.”
Brazil responded: “He doesn’t come in for me at the moment,” to which Agbonlahor replied: “Really?”
“He’s a top player, but at the moment, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are a problem for me in my head,” Brazil added.
Foden and Bellingham prove as world-class competition for Rogers, but his stats show that he deserves a starting spot at next year’s World Cup.
How has Rogers performed for England so far?
Rogers made his England debut in November 2024, starting off as someone who would try make an impact from the bench.
Since then, Rogers has proved himself in England games and on the training pitch, catching the eye of Tuchel.
He has shone particularly bright in England’s World Cup qualifier matches.
Games (starts) Key passes per game Successful dribbles per game Big chances created POTM Assists Average rating
6 (4) 1.5 2.2 2 2 1 7.20
Morgan Rogers’s stats for England in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, according to Sofascore
England have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup but that doesn’t mean Rogers won’t be itching to play his best football.
If the Aston Villa star can continue performing, Tuchel will have no option but to start him at the World Cup.
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