Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 2 April 2026 12:10, UK

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers looks to have finally cemented his place in the England team.

The attacking midfielder has long been a standout for the Villans, improving rapidly since his move from Middlesbrough.

Unai Emery has gotten the best out of his talents and has helped him become one of the most exciting players in the entire Premier League.

That has certainly piqued the interest of Thomas Tuchel, who has continued to back the former Manchester City youngster with the Three Lions.

Rogers started for England against Japan and now appears to be at the front of the queue ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Morgan Rogers outshines Cole Palmer for England

There is no hiding how good Cole Palmer has been ever since sealing his move from the Etihad to Chelsea in 2023.

He has proven to be an excellent piece of business at Stamford Bridge, with his quality helping the Blues to a Club World Cup title in the summer.

That hasn’t translated onto the international stage, with the 23-year-old’s goal in the 2024 EUROs final being a rare bright spark with the Three Lions.

He was afforded a chance against Japan on Tuesday, but former Villa scout Bryan King believes the Wembley showing has placed Rogers at the front of the pecking order.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “I think he will be in the starting XI when the World Cup starts.

“He got treated terribly last season by England when he was picked for the under-21’s rather than the senior team.

“He should never have been there, and he’s proved why since then. He’s been a central member of the team for Aston Villa and England.

“Cole Palmer worries me because it looks as if it’s a hardship to play for England. How many times does he give the ball away? It doesn’t look like he enjoys it.

“I’d undoubtedly say Rogers is ahead of him in the pecking order now.

“I don’t think they can play together, and they don’t complement each other.”

Rogers wasn’t great against Japan, and neither was his close friend Palmer, but it feels as if the Villa man is ready to take North America by storm in the summer.

Rogers deserves England spot after Aston Villa form

The West Brom academy product certainly hasn’t been at his best in recent weeks, but his season has been simply superb.

There have been many moments where the number 27 has taken the game by the scruff of the neck and sealed precious points for Villa.

It is that sort of ability that could be the difference between England winning the World Cup and failing to lift silverware for yet another summer.

Rogers has shown this season that he can score from anywhere in and around the penalty area, something Palmer has struggled with at times.

Jude Bellingham may have things to say about that, leaving Tuchel with a massive decision to make ahead of the summer tournament.