Jude Bellingham reacts to Morgan Rogers message after England win v Latvia
Morgan Rogers played the full 90 minutes as England beat Latvia 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Monday.
The Aston Villa attacking midfielder had to settle for coming on as a substitute in the first game of the break as England beat Albania 2-0.
However, Thomas Tuchel then rewarded Rogers with his first start for the Three Lions, capping off a memorable season so far at Villa Park.
Jude Bellingham sends Rogers message
Rogers has had a sensational first season with Villa, growing as a player under the management of Unai Emery, something for which the boss has been credited.
Unlike his Villa teammate Marcus Rashford, whose call-up to the England squad has been questioned, Rogers’ inclusion has been seen as well-deserved.
Alan Pardew did back the 22-year-old to start on the international stage on Friday, but Tuchel decided to put that back a match and save him for the Latvia game.
| Statistics England V Latvia | |
| Passing Accuracy | 85% |
| Successful Dribbles | 88% |
| Tackles Won | 100% |
After the game, the Aston Villa man took to Instagram to share photos from the win, writing: “First England start. Great way to start the new era.”
While Jude Bellingham may be a Birmingham boy, he was quick to praise his England teammate, replying: “My broski.”
Rogers to shine for Aston Villa
After a strong introduction to life under Tuchel at England, Rogers will now have to turn his attentions back to Aston Villa ahead of a big end to the season.
Emery’s side can still achieve a top-five finish while they are also in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the FA Cup.
The 22-year-old has registered 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions this term, and he will be keen to add to this tally in the final run of the season.
Time with England should have boosted his confidence, and as he returns to Villa Park, he will need to keep his standards high and show that this is only the start of what’s to come.
It’s an FA Cup game against Preston North End on Sunday (30 March) that welcomes the Villa squad back to club action, and they will be expected to win and progress to a Wembley semi-final.
That being said, Emery will not be underestimating his side’s opponents, and the West Midlands outfit will be expected to perform to their usual levels to see themselves through with ease.
Rogers will be key to that success.