Aston Villa insider baffled by decision on ‘outstanding’ Morgan Rogers as Unai Emery fumes
Bryan King believes Lee Carsley should have included Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers in his England squad ahead of the October international break.
The ex-Villa scout feels as though the 22-year-old is ready to be called up after his “outstanding” form this season.
Rogers will once again represent England’s Under-21s this month, with Unai Emery less than impressed by this decision, insisting he doesn’t agree (via the Mirror, 5 October).
And King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – also can’t understand the reasoning behind Rogers’ snub, previously calling for the player to earn his senior England debut this month.
“I was surprised Rogers didn’t get a call-up,” King said.
“If we look at some of the other players in the squad, what is so special about what Dominic Solanke has done for example, that Rogers hasn’t been doing this season.
“He has been outstanding for Villa, and once again he will be with the Under-21s. For some reason, they don’t think he’s ready for the senior squad. However, I think he should have been called up.
“It would have given him a feel for it. These two teams they’re going to be playing, Greece and Finland, are both teams they should beat. Therefore, I think it would have been a good introduction for Rogers.
“However, I’m not the manager, he picks his players and explains his decisions.”
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers misses out on senior England squad
Rogers has started every Premier League and UEFA Champions League match for Villa this season.
The forward has been in sensational form, most recently helping Villa beat Bayern Munich 1-0 at Villa Park in the Champions League (2 October), with Rio Ferdinand impressed with what he saw.
Therefore, it is a mystery why the player has not been called up to represent the senior England side.
However, what is even more baffling is the fact that he has been included with the Under-21s. Rogers is clearly too good for that level. As a result, Emery is right to fume.
There is no benefit to Rogers playing with the Under-21s, and all it does is pose an unnecessary injury risk to the player who has become a key starter for Villa this season.
In other Aston Villa news, Emiliano Martínez is “hurting” after what happened to the goalkeeper recently.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.