Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are among a bevy of stars battling for a limited number of spots in Thomas Tuchel's England team ahead of the World Cup next summer
Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in England training
Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in England training(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Morgan Rogers' form for Aston Villa has left England with tough decisions to make going into next summer's World Cup, according to former Premier League star Troy Deeney. Rogers scored two more goals as Villa beat Manchester United on Sunday and is now the joint highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League this term with seven in total.
Rogers occupied the No.10 role for the Three Lions while Bellingham worked his way back from injury in the autumn, while Phil Foden has arguably been at his best for Manchester City while playing more centrally. Cole Palmer has also played in the position for both Chelsea and England, and will likely be in the conversation if he can find some consistent form after a tough time with injuries.
Deeney, however, acknowledged Rogers as the 'man of the moment' when naming him in his team of the week for BBC Sport. "Two goals again - both wonderful finishes against Manchester United," he said.
"Is Rogers the guy to lead England? Do you leave out Bellingham? Foden? Palmer? Just how well he is playing would suggest you would have to have a serious conversation about it. He has seven goals for Villa and is flying."
Villa boss Unai Emery heaped praise on Rogers after his match-winning display on Sunday. The former City youngster now has 24 goals and 22 assists across 94 appearances since joining the club from Middlesbrough in January 2024.
"He’s really a fantastic guy. Fantastic guy, and he loves football. He loves Aston Villa, and he’s a really, very important player in the dressing room because he’s always positive," Emery said.
“His energy is fantastic, and then his qualities, and he is progressively getting better, feeling confident and scoring goals, getting numbers, it’s very important."
Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester United
Morgan Rogers' club form has left England with a tough decision
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Bellingham started England's final World Cup qualifier, a 2-0 win away to Albania, but was visibly frustrated after being replaced by Rogers late on. Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel was asked about the moment and fired a warning to the former Borussia Dortmund ace.
“That is the decision and he has to accept the decision," Tuchel said post-match. "His friend is waiting on the sidelines so you need to accept it, respect it and keep on going.
“I have to review it. I saw he was not happy. To a certain degree if you have players like Jude who are so competitive they will never like it but my word stands - it is about standards, about level, and a commitment and respect to each other. So someone is waiting and we will not change our decision because someone is waving their arms.”
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