Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Wed 25 March 2026 12:01, UK Updated Wed 25 March 2026 12:53, UK

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has what it takes to start for England under Thomas Tuchel at the 2026 World Cup.

Rogers won the last PFA Young Premier League Player of the Season award, and his stellar performances earned him a first England call-up in November 2024.

His meteoric rise to becoming one of England’s most talented players has been facilitated by the faith Emery placed in him, and this has led to Rogers renewing his Aston Villa contract on 10 November.

The 2026 World Cup is on the horizon, and he looks to be a shoo-in for Tuchel’s final squad, even starting over Jude Bellingham in recent months.

And with Rogers excelling in the Premier League this season, his personal form warrants a place in England’s starting lineup.

Morgan Rogers suits Thomas Tuchel’s footballing philosophy

The most important thing Tuchel needs from his attacking players is the willingness to track back and help the side defensively.

According to Sofascore, Rogers has won 130 ground duels and made 114 recoveries in the Premier League this season, and his work rate is seen as far more impressive than the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

Having won possession in the final third on 20 occasions, the 23-year-old gives Tuchel reliability when defending from the front.

It goes without saying that Rogers has been involved in goals throughout his time in B6, which is highlighted by the fact he’s taken 72 shots and created 40 chances in the top flight.

He has created 10 big chances, and that total is more than 93 per cent of all other Premier League players in his position.

Of course, Rogers may not possess the same level of individual brilliance that Bellignham and Palmer have shown over the last few years.

However, his consistency and output in the final third is among the best in England, and it’s safe to say that Tuchel feels the same way.

What has Tuchel previously said about Rogers?

Tuchel is a huge admirer of Rogers and has touted him to compete for the number 10 spot with Bellingham.

Speaking ahead of England’s 2-0 win over Serbia on 13 November, he said: “Rather than finding the best players a position to just have them on the field, it’s maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have a competition. At the moment, the competition is between the two of them.”

The 23-year-old was also lauded after the win over Wales in October, with Tuchel adding, “Rogers was excellent, like the whole team, he’s very humble, he’s very physical. He has the ability to score and to assist.”

His performances for the Villans encapsulate all the quality he has at his feet, and his end to the campaign can only go upwards from here.

Hopefully, it ends in World Cup success for England, with Rogers starting in attacking midfield.