Credit: Match of the Day and Imago

Max Wilkins

Mon 18 May 2026 8:10, UK

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers could be fearing for his spot in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

At one stage, the 23-year-old looked to be a shoo-in for a starting role under Thomas Tuchel after reaching an elite level in B6.

His run of form earlier in the season meant he was one of the best players in the entire Premier League as the Villans flew into a title race.

Things didn’t continue as injuries and other form issues took their toll, with the attacking midfielder struggling as much as anyone as a result.

Rogers hasn’t been totally consistent for Villa, and that could be enough to potentially ruin his summer if Dion Dublin is right.

Dion Dublin calls for Morgan Gibbs-White in England’s World Cup squad

You wouldn’t be blamed for looking at the number 27’s stats in isolation and thinking that he’s had an excellent campaign in claret and blue.

The frustration has been the hot-and-cold nature of his performances, which have often seen him go missing throughout the year.

He has still picked up 23 goal involvements in all competitions, but his showings may see him slip down the pecking order under Tuchel.

That won’t be helped by the form of Morgan Gibbs-White as he continues to shine for Nottingham Forest.

He scored against Manchester United on Sunday and prompted a big call from Dublin on Match of the Day.

He said: “He’s the kind of player who does things very differently. He’s got a maverick kind of attitude about how he plays the game, and he’ll try things that other players won’t.

“For me, he will be on the plane.”

That may not bode well for Rogers’ England chances as the Forest man continues to hit an excellent run of form at the perfect time.

Morgan Rogers has to step up for Aston Villa right now

With Villa icon Dublin speaking highly of Gibbs-White, everyone else is likely to hold a similar opinion ahead of the World Cup.

He has just been nominated for Premier League Player of the Year and followed that up with a goal at Old Trafford.

That sparked the conversation and rave reviews on Match of the Day, with an accompanying graphic that tells the story.

Rogers needs to look at that and use it as fuel, something which looked to have started in an excellent showing against Liverpool on Friday.

He grabbed a stunning goal and a cool-headed assist, while also creating a further three chances at Villa Park.

The 23-year-old also completed 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles and attempted three crosses before contributing 10 defensive actions.

That sort of output needs to continue in the final two games of the campaign; otherwise, Gibbs-White may jump ahead of Rogers in the pecking order.